The Election Commission has announced the new code of conduct for polls in accordance with a Supreme Court judgment that calls for limiting expenses while campaigning by candidates. The notification states that no candidate should exceed the election expenses limit of rupees 1.5 million. This is a step in the right direction by the Election Commission, but the story does not end here. Several other steps need to be taken as well. The issues of dual nationalities, fake degrees, declaration of assets and the like also need to be taken seriously.
If the Election Commission is indeed able to implement these steps, it will be able to make the election process free and fair and that is key for the continuation and strengthening of democracy.
TARIQ HUSSAIN KHAN
Karachi
