ECP issues code of conduct for Senate polls tomorrow

With the aim to ensure fair polls, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a code of conduct for the Senate elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow (March 3).

According to the ECP, violation of the code of conduct will lead to a fine of up till Rs100,000 and jail term of up to two years. As per the code of conduct, cell phones will not be allowed in the polling stations and the assembly members will only be given entry on their secretariat cards, local media reported.

ECP officials, parliamentarians meet to discuss code of conduct for Senate polls   

All the voters have to be cautious with their ballot paper and should endure secrecy of their votes, the code of conduct reads. There will be a complete ban on taking ballot paper outside the polling station and action would be taken against anyone using fake ballot paper.

The code of conduct also states that the returning officer would have the authority of a level one magistrate. The returning officer will have full authority to cancel a ballot paper and hand over punishment immediately to the violator, if the ballot paper is being handed to an unauthorized person.

Fifty two seats in total are up for contest from across the country. The polling will be held on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm at the provincial assembly.