News
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Election code violators will face disqualification: ECP
* Commission approves code of conduct for political parties and candidates for upcoming general election
By Tahir Niaz
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday decided that violation of its code of conduct by any candidate would be tantamount to malpractice and entail legal action, including disqualification, after it approved a code for political parties and candidates for the upcoming general election.
The code banned parties and candidates from criticism of any aspect of private life, not connected with the public activities of leaders or workers of other parties. It also barred criticism based on unverified allegations as well as distortion of facts.
It said the district returning officer and returning officer would be responsible for ensuring implementation of the code, through district/local administration, district police or other law enforcement agencies, in their areas jurisdiction.
It completely banned carriage and display of all kinds of weapons and firearms during public meetings and processions as well as on the polling day and until 24 hours after the consolidation of official results by returning officer. Wall chalking as part of election campaign, aerial firing, use of crackers and other explosives by parties and candidates are also prohibited.
It also bars an individual or political party from affixing posters, hoardings, banners or leaflets/handbills larger than the sizes prescribed by the ECP. Contesting candidates and their supporters cannot propagate against the participation of any person in the elections on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion or caste, the code states.
The code also bars federal, provincial and local governments from advertisement during election at the cost of public exchequer in any media and misuse of official mass media. Parties and candidates are barred from propagating any opinion, or act prejudicial in any way to Pakistan, the judiciary, or the armed forces, as provided under Article 63 of the constitution.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk