Transparency measures: ECP bans advertisements glorifying political parties
Warns of legal consequences in case of violation.
ECP banned political parties from floating advertisements bearing their names, logos or faces of party leaders in print and electronic media. DESIGN: EMA ANIS
PESHAWAR:
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has banned political parties from floating advertisements bearing their names, logos or faces of party leaders in print and electronic media, said a statement issued by the provincial home and tribal affairs department on Saturday.
The commission has directed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) chief secretary, police, divisional commissioners and administrative secretaries to strictly implement the ECP directives to ensure free, fair and transparent elections under Article 218 (3) of the Constitution.
The statement noted political advertisements highlighting the federal and provincial governments’ achievements have been frequently appearing in the press. These ads bear party symbols and pictures of the leadership, it added.
“Promoting party interests at the expense of public money cannot be allowed as it would amount to misuse of the public exchequer.”
It added that during the hearing of a petition filed by Workers Party Pakistan, the apex court had maintained the ECP is empowered to do all that is considered necessary to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
The commission also warned of legal consequences against any violations of the ban.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 10th, 2013.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has banned political parties from floating advertisements bearing their names, logos or faces of party leaders in print and electronic media, said a statement issued by the provincial home and tribal affairs department on Saturday.
The commission has directed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) chief secretary, police, divisional commissioners and administrative secretaries to strictly implement the ECP directives to ensure free, fair and transparent elections under Article 218 (3) of the Constitution.
The statement noted political advertisements highlighting the federal and provincial governments’ achievements have been frequently appearing in the press. These ads bear party symbols and pictures of the leadership, it added.
“Promoting party interests at the expense of public money cannot be allowed as it would amount to misuse of the public exchequer.”
It added that during the hearing of a petition filed by Workers Party Pakistan, the apex court had maintained the ECP is empowered to do all that is considered necessary to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
The commission also warned of legal consequences against any violations of the ban.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 10th, 2013.