ECP directs to provide security to contestants

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has directed the provincial governments to ensure foolproof security for election candidates and political leaders during the election campaign. In a letter to all four provincial governments, the Election Commission has directed the respective chief secretaries to ensure security arrangements for the electoral contestants and leaders of political parties during public gatherings and corner meetings while the candidates are also required to get prior permission from relevant district administration for their public gatherings.
The Commission has also asked the relevant authorities to install CCTV cameras in sensitive polling stations for monitoring. The ECP has announced four monitoring teams as well for the upcoming general elections which will ensure implementation of its code of conduct.
The contenders ignoring the ECP code of conduct will be fined Rs 50,000 on the first violation, and on the second violation, a reference for disqualification will be forwarded to the Election Commission. However, the candidate can file an appeal against the decision within three days. If no appeal is filed within the given time period, the candidate will be disqualified, says the ECP.
Earlier, caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari chaired a meeting to finalize security arrangements for the political parties in view of the upcoming election. It was decided during the meeting that foolproof security would be ensured for key political leaders. The interim CM also reiterated his resolve to make all possible efforts for free and fair election.
According to the election schedule issued by the ECP, the appellate tribunals will announce their final verdicts on appeals against decisions of the returning officers on nomination papers of the candidates by June 27. The ECP will issue a revised list of the candidates on June 28. Candidates will be able to withdraw their nomination papers on June 29, and the electoral body will announce the final list of candidates on the same day. The electoral symbols will be issued to candidates on June 30. Polling, however, will be conducted on July 25.