Politicians offer input on election code

ECP ready to issue Imran’s production order

ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE:

The ECP on Wednesday held consultations with different political parties over its proposed code of conduct for the upcoming general elections in view of Section 233 of the Elections Act, 2017.

According to a statement, representatives of the political parties attended the meeting chaired by Chief Election Commission Sikandar Sultan Raja and shared their feedback on the draft code of conduct as well as made their own proposals.

“The ECP reviewed these proposals and assured [the representatives of political parties] that it would make appropriate amendments in the draft code [in light of the proposals].”

The polls oversight authority said it would strictly implement the final code of conduct during the general elections. “The ECP will ensure free and fair general elections.”

Representatives of the PML-N, the PPP, the PTI, the JI, the ANP, the MQM, BAP, and the TLP parties attended the meeting.Production orderThe ECP said it was ready to issue a production order for the appearance of PTI Chairman Imran Khan who is currently detained in Adiala jail in a cypher case.

The electoral watchdog has instructed PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen to file a reply to the show-cause notice issued against his client in the contempt case. Once the reply is submitted, the ECP will issue the necessary order for Imran's production.

An ECP panel, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, presided over the contempt case and discussed framing charges against the former prime minister.

The case was subsequently adjourned until October 24.PTI reactionWhile rejecting the ECP’s efforts to indict the former prime minister, the PTI termed the body’s move “unconstitutional” and an “attempt to minus Imran from politics”.

In a statement, a party representative alleged that the recent decision by the ECP to issue a production order against Imran Khan to indict him was an act of revenge aimed at removing him from the political landscape. The representative accused the commission of actively straying from the constitution and undermining democracy.