ECP, parties discuss code of conduct

ECP seeks applications from political parties for allotment of election symbols

ISLAMABAD:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday organised a consultative session with the representatives of political parties on the aspects of the draft code of conduct for the next general elections.

The meeting, which was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, was held at the Election Commission Secretariat in the federal capital.

The representatives of political parties shared their feedback on the draft code of conduct and presented their suggestions in the session.

The CEC assured them that their recommendations would be reviewed.

Meanwhile, the polls supervisory body sought applications from the political parties for the allotment of election symbols in accordance with the requirements of Section 216 of the Elections Act, 2017.

A notification of ECP stated that the political parties had been directed to submit the applications, duly signed by the respective party leader on or before February 21.

The political parties, which have complied with the provisions of the Allocation of Election Symbols of the Election Act, 2017 and the Election Rules, 2017 are invited for allocation one of the symbols prescribed under Rule 162 of the Election Rules, 2017, the notification said.

The application should contain the required information including the list of symbols applied for in order of preference; symbol or symbols if any allocated to the political party during the previous general elections; address of the head office of the political party; such other particulars or information from the party as may be prescribed, it added.

On receipt of applications from the political parties, the eligibility of each party will be ascertained in light of section 215 of the Election Act, 2017.

Incomplete applications or requests through fax will not be entertained.