ECP issues revised code of conduct for political parties, candidates

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday issued a revised Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates during the next general elections.

Under the revised Code of Conduct, political parties and candidates have been asked not to propagate any opinion, or act in any manner prejudicial to the ideology of Pakistan, or the sovereignty, integrity or security of Pakistan, or morality, or the maintenance of public order, or the integrity or independence of the judiciary of Pakistan, or which defames or brings into ridicule the judiciary or the Armed Forces of Pakistan, as provided under Article 63 of the Constitution.

The revised Code of Conduct also calls upon the parties and candidates to abide by all the laws, rules, regulations and directions issued by the Commission, from time to time, relating to smooth conduct of elections and the maintenance of public order.

The political parties and candidates shall at all times uphold the rights and freedom of the people of Pakistan as guaranteed by the Constitution and law.

All political parties, candidates and their supporters shall avoid scrupulously all activities which are offenses under the election laws, such as bribing of voters, intimidation, impersonation, canvassing within 400 yards of a polling station, including setting up of camps, and holding public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending at midnight following the conclusion of the poll for an election in the constituency.

The revised set of Code of Conduct has been sent to political parties and candidates for feedback.