The election symbols to contesting candidates will be allotted on January 13, and the polling will take place on January 18. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Despite the Sindh government’s persistent efforts to defer the local government elections in the province, the Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday went ahead with the Supreme Court’s November 13 ruling, and notified that LG polls will be held on January 18, 2014.
The Sindh government has been lazing on the issue, as earlier the provincial cabinet had decided to hold the elections in March instead of January 18 – a request that was rejected by the Sindh High Court.
According to the schedule, issued by the commission, nomination papers will be received by returning officers from December 26 to 29; the names of candidates will be displayed on December 30; and objections to nomination papers can be filed by candidates until December 31.
The schedule also states that the scrutiny of nomination papers will be held from January 1 to 5. Appeal against acceptance and rejection of nomination papers can be filed between January 6 and 7 and candidates can withdraw their candidature by January 12.
The election symbols to contesting candidates will be allotted on January 13, and the polling will take place on January 18.
Code of conduct
The ECP also issued a code of conduct for the LG polls in Sindh and placed a ban on transfer and posting of civil servants without prior approval of the commission until election results are published.
“The instructions [code of conduct] have been issued with a view to ensure that polls are conducted fairly and in accordance with the law and to ensure corrupt practices are guarded against,” the notification stated.
ECP has also barred public office holders from canvassing on behalf of candidates.
“The prime minister, governor, chief minister, speaker, deputy speaker, federal and provincial ministers, advisers to the prime minister or chief minister or, for that matter, any other holder of public office will not visit the area of any local government to announce any development scheme or campaign for any candidate or political party,” the notification stated.
The commission has also barred all executive authorities in the federation and the provinces from using state resources to influence elections in favour of a particular candidate.
“If any person in government service misuses his/her official position in any manner to influence results of the elections, he shall be liable to be proceeded against under Section 68 of the Sindh Local Government Act, 2013,” it said.
Meanwhile, ECP Director General Sher Afgan confirmed that the commission had received a letter from the interior ministry regarding thumb impression verification, but refused to disclose the contents of the letter. “The letter has been received and is under consideration,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 19th, 2013.
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