Presidential polls: ECP disallows parliamentarians from carrying mobile phones

Secrecy of the ballot can be compromised if pictures are taken of stamped ballot papers.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) imposed a ban on Sunday on members of the parliament and provincial assemblies from carrying mobile phones and other electronic devices.

The commission issued a statement drawing attention of the members to Article 12 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution, which states that elections for the office of the President shall be held by secret ballot.

Secrecy of the ballot can be compromised if voters take pictures of stamped ballot papers to prove their loyalty to a particular candidate.

“The Chief Election Commissioner and Returning Officer has directed the Presiding Officers for the Presidential Election to ensure that the secrecy of the ballot is not violated through any mode whatsoever by the voters," said the statement issued by the ECP.

"A ban has also been imposed upon members of Parliament and all provincial assemblies for taking with them mobile phone or any other electronic device, through which a picture can be taken, in the premises of the polling station i.e. Assembly Chamber by the members of Parliament and the members of the provincial assemblies on July 30, the day of elections,” the statement added.