Drafting code of conduct: Some parties ‘averse to ECP autonomy’

Major political parties oppose ban on public rallies during consultations

ISLAMABAD: In a rare showdown, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has come down hard on political parties for their reluctance to empower the premier polls supervisory body in the true sense.

“Some political parties do not want to see the ECP autonomous. Some do not like our role as facilitator. Like we press them for intra-party elections. Same is the case with commission’s decision to conduct random audit of assets of parliamentarians,” the ECP’s Secretary Babar Yaqoob said on Wednesday.

He was talking to reporters after commission’s meeting with political parties.

Major political parties rejected a proposal to clamp a ban on big public rallies, put forward by the ECP in its attempt to regulate election campaigns and minimise use of money in polls campaigns.

Of the 16 political parties invited by the ECP due to their representation in parliament, 13 attended the huddle convened to get feedback on draft code of conduct for next general elections.

In its proposed code of conduct, the ECP suggested a complete ban on holding big processions and rallies, barring contesting candidates from launching attacks on private life of their opponents besides proposing punitive action on various violations.

While rejecting the ECP’s proposed ban on big public rallies, the representatives proposed that every candidate should be allowed to hold at least one big rally but there should be no limit on organising corner meetings.

The proposed code of conduct, prepared for the next general elections, entails disqualification if any political party or candidate propagates any opinion considered prejudicial to the ideology and sovereignty of Pakistan or ridicules the judiciary and armed forces. Criticism of the ECP would be deemed as contempt of court.

Political parties also objected to the ECP’s proposal not to allow political parties, their candidates and supporters to use their vehicles for bringing voters to the polling stations.

Proposal to disallow billboards, hoardings, banners, posters, flyers and wall chalking got positive nod of approval from political parties. However they had reservations over the ECP’s proposal to hold big public gathering and car rallies.

The ECP proposed that political parties or contesting candidates and their supporters would be allowed to hoist party flags at public places only after a written permission from local authorities and after paying the prescribed fee.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2016.