ECP issues guidelines for poll observation, media coverage

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday issued guidelines pertaining to accreditation for election observation and media coverage ahead of the February 8 general elections.

In a directive to the returning officers overseeing the election proceedings, the ECP has laid out specific instructions for the extensive coverage of the elections.

The ECP's issuance includes detailed guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for acquiring accreditation cards, primarily aimed at domestic observers and media personnel.

A formal letter containing these instructions has been dispatched to all returning officers across the country.

As per the released statement, all representatives from media outlets are eligible to apply for accreditation cards, facilitating their coverage during the electoral process.

Moreover, the commission has extended this privilege to local NGOs and civil society representatives, allowing them to obtain accreditation cards as well.

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The ECP has committed to ensuring maximum facilitation for both observation activities and media coverage during the election period.

It is pertinent to note that the preparations for the general elections, scheduled for February 8, 2024, have seen the submission of nomination papers by all candidates, with the ongoing scrutiny process currently underway.

Earlier in October, The ECP dispatched a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), urging them to take the essential measures to invite international observers to monitor the transparency of the upcoming general elections.

The decision to seek international observers had come in response to the European Union's previous announcement that it would not be sending an election observer mission to Pakistan for the forthcoming parliamentary polls.

Later, the electoral watchdog released a 17-point code of conduct for the national media ahead, outlining various guidelines they are required to adhere to during the campaign and polling.

The code released applies to print, electronic, digital media, and social media influencers.