Pre-poll rigging? ECP takes notice of funds distribution in Sindh, Punjab ahead of LG polls

According to media reports provincial govts of and Sindh are dolling out development schemes to woo voters

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday took notice of disbursement of funds for development schemes in Punjab and Sindh ahead of local government elections calling the move a violation of code of conduct.

In a statement released on Friday, the poll body said no development schemes and public funds can be released by the provincial governments once the schedule for local government is announced.

Read: ECP announces schedule for second phase of LG polls in Sindh, Punjab

ECP took notice after media reports emerged claiming that the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh were still dolling out development schemes which could influence voters during the upcoming LG polls.

The poll body had on August 26 announced the schedule for the first phase of LG polls, while the schedule for the second phase of LG polls was notified on September 3.

Read: ECP announces schedule for first phase of LG polls in Sindh, Punjab

As per the schedule notified by ECP, the first phase of LG polls in two provinces will be held on October 31, while the second phase of polls will be conducted on November 19.

Under the code of conduct for elections, provincial governments are barred from announcing any new development schemes once the schedule for polls is announced. Similarly, they are not allowed to disburse public funds for development projects till the election process concludes.

Elections for the third phase are expected in the first week of December this year.