Islamabad(June 15, 2018): Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a code of conduct for the upcoming general elections.
The code of conduct pertains to political parties, contesting candidates, election agents and polling agents.
According to the code of conduct, the political parties, candidates and election agents shall at all times uphold the rights and freedom of the people as guaranteed by the Constitution and law.
The political parties, candidates and election agents shall abide by all directions, instructions and regulations issued by the Election Commission relating to the smooth conduct of elections, and maintenance of public order as per the Elections Act 2017.
Another point states that the political parties shall endeavour to provide equal opportunity to both men and women to participate in electoral process.
Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan decided on Thursday that the military will oversee printing and distribution of ballot papers for the upcoming general elections.
ECP spokesperson Nadeem Qasim said the army will be providing security between June 20 to June 27 for the printing and distribution of ballot papers.
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“Keeping in view the security plan implemented during the general elections 2013, we reviewed the current security situation for the upcoming polls,” he said.
Qasim revealed that CCTV cameras will be installed in around 20,000 polling stations deemed sensitive. “The responsibility of installing the cameras lies with the provincial government,” he stressed.
“We will also take National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) on board. The polling stations will be secured inside and outside,” assured Qasim. “A code of conduct for security personnel under clause 233 of the Election Act, 2017 has also been drafted.”
The ECP representative said the provincial governments had been directed to ensure security of political leaders.
Dwelling on the training of presiding officers, district returning officers, the spokesperson told media that the preparation will begin after Eid holidays. He said a code of conduct will be drafted for officers participating in the polls, however, its implementation will lie with provincial government.
He added that the decisions undertaken were backed by Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Muhammad Raza Khan.
Pre-poll schedule
As per a revised election schedule issued by ECP on June 8, the last day to submit nomination papers was extended from June 8 to June 11.
The electoral body had earlier said that the date for submission of nomination papers was extended to facilitate political parties.
The deadline to complete the scrutiny of nomination papers was changed from June 14 to June 19.
The last day to file appeals against any objection to the decisions of returning officers was extended till June 22.
The verdicts on appeals will be announced by June 27, after which, the revised list of candidates will be issued 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 will be conducted on July 25.
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