No seeking votes on the basis of religion: ECP

No one is allowed to criticise or elevate any political party in front of voters at polling stations, says ECP.


Web Desk April 14, 2013
Poll body strengthens the security of the polling stations and voters. DESIGN: EMA ANIS

ISLAMBAD: The act of seeking votes on the basis of religion or sect was termed an offence by the Election Commission of Pakistan on Sunday, Express News reported.

After the strict scrutiny process of candidates, the ECP has announced new stringent rules to govern the upcoming polls.

The poll body has also strengthened the security of polling stations.

Trying to reduce the external influence on voters, the commission announced that candidates, lawmakers and polling staff who criticise or elevate any political party in front of voters within the premises of polling station will be put behind bars.

Furthermore, anyone trying to refrain voters from voting altogether will also face charges.

The ECP announced a jail term for those who disrupt the working of polling staff, adding that voters are expected to maintain secrecy at all times both inside and outside the polling stations.

A few other existing rules are:

  • It is illegal to vote on someone else’s behalf.

  • Voters cannot bring their ballot papers outside the polling booth.

  • Political parties cannot provide transport to voters.

COMMENTS (23)

Talha rizvi | 11 years ago | Reply @amir jafri: You need to see a therapist as you clearly have issues.Your previous comments on Ijaaz Saroop article and the Malala issue are enough to show your mentality and your closed psyche.
Antebellum | 11 years ago | Reply

The act of seeking votes on the basis of religion or sect was termed an offence by the Election Commission of Pakistan on Sunday

Although I support a political party (PTI) that doesn't seek votes on such basis, however I don't think that the ECP have such powers because there is nothing in the Constitution that bars such. IMO, ECP itself stands in violation of the Constitution!

Also, they have a problem with religion but not with racism/ethnicism/provincialism a la ANP, MQM, Balochi & Sindhi nationalist parties and PPP (to an extent [Sindh card etc])? This is ludicrous!!!

anyone trying to refrain voters from voting altogether will also face charges.

So does this means that its finally jail for Qadri?

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