EC notifies code of conduct for media for LG polls

12 Nov, 2015

NAWABSHAH: Election Commission of Pakistan through a notification issued a code of conduct for all institutions of print and electronic media including radio, television and newspapers.

This was disclosed by Regional Election Commissioner and District Returning Officer Shaheed Benazirabad Sain Bux Channar, said a handout issued by District Information Office here Thursday.

He pointed out that Code of Conduct is for Local Government Elections 2015.

He said that media should desist from broadcasting or publishing any news, which pose opposition public opinion against any particular party or candidate. According to Code of Conduct media would adopt careful course of action in publishing news in support or opposition of any candidate or party.

It said that media would be bound to broadcast or publish correct election results issued by only the Presiding Officer, Returning Officer or Election Commission.

It said that media would desist from giving arguments on the personal life of any candidate. It said that equal coverage will be provided to all parties on government Radio and Television Channels during election campaign while PEMRA would be bound to monitor coverage on all government and private Radio and TV channels.

According to Code of Conduct all representatives of print and electronic media would be bound to carry Accreditation Card issued by Election Commission while witnessing polling process.

Media persons would not create hurdle during a election process and would not hesitate to declare their identification when demanded.

Media representative would bound to take instance of both sides in case any candidate levels allegation of any type against other candidate prior to broadcasting.

It added that media would desist from publishing any news item of serious allegations, which may cause damage to national solidarity or law and order situation.

The Code of Conduct also said that media should desist from reporting such language that under any reference cause to incite people on torture or provocation.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2015

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