District admin helpless over campaign code violation

DC says next to impossible to monitor all electioneering activities

PESHAWAR: Local government candidates are trying tooth and nail to outdo opponents as only a week remains before their campaigns are put to the test. These efforts fly in the face of the electioneering regulations set by the election commission – and the district government has been unable to closely monitor the flagrant violations.

The election commission has set the limit for the sizes of campaign posters and panaflex banners at two feet by three feet and three feet by nine feet respectively. Candidates, who carry out aerial firing, incite violence through hate speech and jeopardise law and order will be disqualified.

A drive around the city will explain how much the hopefuls have really bothered about the rules. Life-size posters and banners are as in your face as can be possible.

“All political parties and independent candidates have failed to abide by the code of conduct,” said DC PRO Feroz Shah. Ironically, he told The Express Tribune, in a meeting on Thursday, all parties told the DC the rules will be followed.

Bara River bridge tragedy

When approached for a comment, DC Riaz Ahmad Mehsud said the district administration has diverted all its attention towards the Bara River bridge incident.

Talking to The Express Tribune on Saturday, Mehsud cited rescue efforts and the organisation of Peshawar Summer Festival as the reasons why the administration is yet to crack down against violators. “It is next to impossible for us to monitor all electioneering activities,” he said. Mehsud said another meeting will be called on Monday and “this time violators will be taken to task”.

He added a supervision team led by Commissioner Usama Ahmed Warraich has also been formed in this regard. The team will visit different areas and take action.

Ignorance is bliss?

District representatives of different parties said they have promised the DC to trash all large-sized posters and banners.

Yet, a general air of obliviousness hovers over district, town, neighbourhood and village council candidates who are largely unaware about the enforced rules of procedure. “We spent thousands of rupees over our publicity. Now they want us to throw all the material away. They should have informed us earlier,” said a district council candidate. He instead put the onus on the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24^th, 2015.