LG polls: Candidates flout ECP rules as campaigning heats up

Bans on loudspeakers, large gatherings, among others, goes unnoticed

PESHAWAR:

With less than two weeks left to local government (LG) elections, candidates are speeding up their electioneering. However, in the race for votes they have reportedly been flouting the code of conduct set by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Residents of the provincial capital say candidates have not been abiding by the ECP’s ban on the use of loudspeakers, large rallies and the size limits set for posters and banners. Moreover, despite the ECP’s prohibition, several MPAs and MNAs have also been visiting localities and promising development activities in a bid to garner support for candidates they are backing.

As per the rules, only corner meetings can be arranged after taking permission from relevant authorities. However, in some parts of the city, candidates organised large gatherings and in a clear violation of the code of conduct were openly using loudspeakers since the rallies were so huge it was impossible for candidates and party leaders to address supporters without amplification.

Some candidates have put up large billboards, in violation of ECP’s set size limit. According to the rules, posters cannot exceed 3x2 feet and banners cannot exceed 9x3 feet. However, locals say candidates have been pasting their messages on billboards and some have even been resorted to wall chalking – also banned by the ECP.

“The most common violation has been the size of posters and banners these days,” said Siraj Khan, a resident of Kohat Road. He added many aspirants are also organising motorbike rallies as part of their electioneering but these are going unnoticed by authorities.

A candidate contesting from Kohat Road area confirmed this. He told The Express Tribune his opponent organised a rally with 200 bikes so he one-upped him by arranging a 600-bike rally.

“I have heard there is a limit for spending on campaigns but all these rules are being completely ignored by candidates,” a local, Siraj Khan claimed. As per the ECP’s rules, candidates for village and neighbourhood councils can spend no more than Rs50,000 on electioneering while candidates for tehsil, district or town councils can spend up to Rs200,000.

According to Tasleem Khan, another local, some candidates were openly involved in wall chalking which is strictly banned.

“In the past, there were large union councils on the basis of population, therefore there were fewer candidates, but this time there are more than 300 village and neighbourhood councils and hundreds of candidates are contesting,” he said. “Such small councils will not be effective because they would get limited funds with a large number of members to spend the money.”

When contacted, ECP K-P Spokesperson Sohail Khan said written warnings have been issued to candidates who have been violating the ECP rules in their electioneering. He added funds promised by MPAs have been stopped and notice has been taken of the allocation of development funds in a constituency of Mardan by the chief secretary.

ECP K-P Deputy Director Khushal Zada told The Express Tribune complaints were received from Abbottabad, Kohat and Peshawar. He said MNAs and MPAs and the chief secretary have been asked to appear before the election commission to explain themselves and all funds issued in violation of ECP’s code of conduct have been withdrawn.

According to the deputy director, action has been taken on all violations reported to the election authority or on reports that were highlighted in the media about lawmakers visiting localities and whipping up support for LG candidates. However, he said it was difficult to trace violations happening on a smaller scale but reiterated action would be taken if any such complaints are reported.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2015.