News
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Govt committed to holding free, fair elections: Raja
* PM hails ECP decision to ban arms’ display during election campaigns
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has reiterated government’s resolve to hold a free, fair and impartial election in the country on time and expressed the confidence that the upcoming elections will further strengthen the democratic process by streamlining the role of state institutions in the polity.
The prime minister made these remarks while talking to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House on Tuesday. Raja expressed his satisfaction over the fact that the ECP has completed all arrangements for holding general election in the country. The ECP secretary informed the prime minister that a code of conduct has also been prepared by the ECP which prohibits display of weapons during election campaigns. The prime minister appreciated this decision.
Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan also told the prime minister that candidates will have to specify the venues of their public meetings and the ECP will permit them to hold meetings in consultation with the local administration. Similarly, rallies and processions brought out by the candidates will have to follow specified routes approved by the ECP. The ECP secretary also informed the prime minister that the commission will soon hold meetings with the federal and provincial governments to ensure that law and order is maintained during polling. Prime Minister Raja assured the ECP secretary that the government will extend all administrative and logistical support to the ECP in order to ensure maximum participation in the election and voter turnout.Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk