ECP issues provisional code of conduct

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued a provisional code of conduct pertaining to the forthcoming general elections.
A meeting between representatives of different political parties and the Election Commission officials was held here to discuss the code of conduct for general elections. The meeting was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner former Justice Sardar Raza Khan. The six-category code of conduct includes general conduct, campaign, publicity, meetings and processions, polling day, and miscellaneous.
According to the code of conduct, the political parties are restrained to propagate opinions contrary to the Constitution and the ideology of Pakistan.
The Election Commission rules also bar the government or any authority from posting or transferring any official appointed or deputed in connection with polls without prior ECP approval. The political parties have been asked to allot five percent tickets to women as per the Elections Act 2017. The election expenses for National Assembly seat will be Rs 4 million and Rs 2 million for provincial assembly seat. The candidates are bound to open exclusive accounts for this purpose in any bank across Pakistan so their transactions can be monitored.
According to the code of conduct, candidates are required to submit a complete account of the expenses incurred during elections to ECP within ten days of polling. Political parties have been advised to refrain from influencing print or the electronic media, or resorting to violence of any kind against news outlets.
Public display of firearms has been banned in meetings, processions, and other activities related to the elections. The ban will remain in force until twenty-four hours after the consolidation of the results by the Election Commission. The President, the caretaker cabinet and other government officials will not take part in election activity.
The flags of political parties are not allowed to be hoisted on public property or space, albeit under written agreement from local authorities or payment of fees, under which exceptions can be made. Parties and candidates are also required to refrain from printing religious verses on posters and advertisements.
The Election Commission proposes a blanket ban on graffiti, hoardings, and billboards advertising the political slogans.
Political parties and candidates have been told to inform district authorities about any planned processions or rallies. Car rallies have been prohibited, but corner meetings are allowed. A one-week notice is required to hold such gatherings.
The ECP has barred political parties from holding more than one gathering (jalsa) in a single constituency. The use of abusive language against opponents will be treated as a corrupt practice.
Political leaders, local government officials and elected representatives have also been barred from inaugurating completed or announcing new development works till elections have been held. Violations will be treated as "illegal practices". The Election Commission has advised political parties to educate voters on how to cast votes but refrains from exhibiting notices, signs, banners or flags.