ECP bans cell phones within polling premises

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday banned carrying of mobile phones and any other device used to take pictures, during the polling for Senate election.

The ECP has also directed all the Returning Officers designated to conduct the polls, to take action against the violators.

The decision has been made to ensure sanctity of the ballot as Provincial Assemblies are going to elect new Senators on 45 seats on Friday.

An official of the Election Commission informed APP that the decision will strictly be implemented and the Returning Officers will take on the spot action against the violators.

"The Returning Officers will have the powers to hold summary trial or penalize or expel the members from the respective Houses," he said.

The official explained that in view of the previous unfair practices, the ECP will be strict to make the MPAs follow the Code of Conduct and ensure sanctity of the ballot.

Election to fill 45 seats of the Senate will be held at all the four provincial assemblies and the National Assembly.

These newly elected senators will fill the seats to be vacated after retirement of 50 Senators on completion of their six years term in the office.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012