The commission also gives magisterial powers to the presiding officers for transparent by-elections. PHOTO: REUTERS
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday banned bulk postings and transfers in the constituencies where schedule for by-elections has been announced.
“Individual transfers/postings of civil servants shall also not be made after the issuance of schedule of elections/bye-elections except under exceptional circumstances, in exigency of service and in public interest, with prior approval of Election Commission,” the ECP notification read.
On June 28, the ECP announced schedule for the by-elections, planned to be held on August 22 in more than 30 national and provincial assembly constituencies.
Most of these seats had fallen vacant after winners at multiple constituencies in the May 11 general elections had opted to retain one of the seats.
In some constituencies elections were not held due to death of a contestant just before polling day; while some seats fell vacant either on account of demise of an elected member after the polls or disqualification of a member after announcement of results.
The ECP in its Wednesday’s notification asked all the federal and provincial authorities not to use any state resources that might lead to unfair advantage of a particular candidate or party in such constituencies.
The commission also warned that any government official, found misusing his position to influence the election results, would be tried in the sessions court and could be imprisoned for up to two years if found guilty.
The election authorities have also barred the president, prime minister, senate chairman and deputy chairman, federal and state ministers, governors, chief ministers, provincial ministers, advisers and other public officeholders from visiting election constituencies.
Under election laws, these officials cannot inaugurate or announce any development projects to advance campaign of a candidate contesting for any of these seats.
The ECP also authorized district and returning officers to exercise the powers of first class magistrate to make election process credible. These officials will enjoy these powers till the consolidation of by-polls results and are authorised to try any person under code of criminal procedure if they find him involved in any activity that can influence election results.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2013.
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