The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has sent copies of revised Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates to all the major political parties for obtaining their valuable comments/suggestions and feedback as per decision in the Consultative Meeting held on September 27 with the representatives of Political Parties.
In a letter addressed to the Presidents/Quaid/Ameer and General Secretaries of the political parties, Muhammad Afzal Khan, Additional Secretary, ECP has invited their attention to the importance of their precious feedback and said that the perusal of the said Code of Conduct would reveal that it aims at creating a level playing field for all the Political Parties/Candidates and an environment in which fair, transparent and peaceful elections could be held without causing any tension, harassment or inconvenience for all involved in this electoral exercise as well as for the public at large.
He has further stated that the ECP and the entire Nation duly expect that the Political Parties and Candidates will observe and actively promote this Code of Conduct and contribute to avoiding violent conflicts and build public support for credible elections. Also, the ingredients of the Code are covered under various provisions of Law as well as the directions issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Furthermore, it is important that failing to abide by the Code of Conduct may entail serious consequences including disqualification of any candidate.
The Additional Secretary has therefore requested all the political parties to send their comments within two weeks to this Commission and in case no comments are received from parties, it will be assumed that they have agreed with the draft Code of Conduct.
For facility of all concerned, the said Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates has also been placed at the ECP’s website i-e www.ecp.gov.pk.
