The Secretary ECP was accompanied by Joint Secretary (Local Govt. Elections), D.G. (Admin) and Deputy Director (Local Govt. Elections) from ECP Islamabad.
A briefing regarding preparations for Local Government Elections and Bye-elections in Punjab was given by Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab along with his team of officers and Regional Election Commissioners from all over Punjab.
The Secretary ECP, discussed the matters regarding appointment polling personnel, polling scheme, elections material and security arrangements.
He emphasized on the importance of implementing Code of Conduct during elections to maintain impartiality in order to provide a level playing field to each contesting candidate.
He said that under Article 204 and 103 of the Constitution of Pakistan, ECP is fully empowered to award punishments against violation of Code of Conduct.
He added that for the conduct of free, fair and impartial elections it is extremely essential to win the confidence of all stakeholders. He advised the commissioners and laid great stress upon maintaining neutrality and observing merit.
The Secretary ECP also inaugurated Election Monitoring Cell established in the Office of Provincial Election Commissioner, Punjab. The function of Election Monitoring Cell is to facilitate common public and address their queries and complaints in a more rapidly pace.
The Election Monitoring Cell will also monitor all aspects of Election such as violation of code of conduct, external interferences, law and order situation, administrative loop-holes and functioning of polling staff on grass root level.