ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan has prepared a draft Code of Conduct for General Elections-2018 aimed at holding the elections in a peaceful environment.
The Commission has convened a meeting of the political parties on Wednesday to get input from them on the proposed Code.
It envisages commitment on the part of the political parties and candidates to uphold the rights and freedom of people as guaranteed by the Constitution and law.
It seeks the political parties and candidates not to propagate any opinion, or act in any manner prejudicial to the ideology of Pakistan or the sovereignty, integrity or security of Pakistan.
Under the proposed Code, there would be complete ban on all kind of campaign and canvassing and persuading voters for votes, soliciting of votes, not to vote in the election or canvassing for a particular candidate on polling day.
Incitement to violence or resort to violence during corner meetings or during polling hours would avoided by contesting candidates and their supporters.
During election campaign, there would be complete ban on bill boards, hoardings, banners, panaflexes, posters, flyers, all kinds of wall chalking, public meetings, processions, use of loud speakers and car rallies. Only corner meetings and use of megaphone will be permissible with prior permission of district administration.
Under the draft code, criticism of other political parties and candidates would be confined to their policies and programmes, past record and work.
All candidates would be bound to open a specific account in any scheduled bank for election related expenditure or collection of donation and subscription. —INP
