AJK elections: Govt officials asked to follow code of conduct

At least 660 candidates have submitted their nomination papers to contest the general elections in AJK

MUZAFFARABAD: Government officials in azad Kashmir have been warned to follow guidelines issued by the election body during polls.

“It has been learnt through the media that certain government employees are supporting candidates of one political party or another during the election campaign,” Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Secretary, Sikandar Sultan Raja, said on Sunday.

It is imperative to follow the election commission (EC)’s code of conduct issued by the Chief Election Commissioner Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal and to ensure their implementation to ensure holding of free, fair and impartial elections in the region, he added.

“Moreover, certain complaints have also been received that district and divisional administrations and police are giving protocol to federal ministers during the visit of their constituencies. It is a matter of great concern and therefore it is directed that no government servant should involve himself in politicking,” reads the order issued by the chief secretary available with The Express Tribune.

Raja said that in case of any violation strict disciplinary action would be taken against those violating the instructions or failing to implement the code of conduct.

Meanwhile, at least 660 candidates have submitted their nomination papers to contest the general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) scheduled for July 21.

Some 35 papers have been rejected by the AJK Election Commission. The remaining 625 will contest the polls in the 41 constituencies of the legislative assembly.

The focal person of the AJK Election Commission Tariq Butt said that the appeals against the papers can be submitted on June 22 in the office of the chief election commissioner through any authorised person of the candidate.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2016.