‘Digitise poll process to remove controversies’

Seminar stresses importance of implementing code of conduct formulated by ECP in collaboration with stakeholders

ISLAMABAD:

The speakers at a seminar on “Electoral Code of Conduct: Ethical Practices of Stakeholders including Media,” on Thursday stressed the importance of enforcing election laws and digitising the electoral process to eliminate controversies in elections.

They also stressed the importance of implementing the code of conduct formulated by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in collaboration with stakeholders.

It was the third seminar organised by the Press Information Department (PID) to stimulate discussions on elections and contribute to the economic advancement of the country.

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ECP Spokesperson Syed Nadeem Haider, in his remarks, said that the commission, in collaboration with the stakeholders, developed a code of conduct for the media, political parties, and candidates.

Highlighting its key points, he mentioned that the code “prohibits speaking against national institutions, dissemination of hate material, discussing private individuals’ lives, sets an upper limit of election expenditure at Rs10 million for the National Assembly and Rs4 million for provincial assembly seats, restricts wall chalking, and imposes limitations on the size of banners and pamphlets”.

He said the ECP had established multiple monitoring teams, deploying two teams in each district and constituency to oversee the code’s compliance.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2024.