FAFEN observes violation of ECP’s code of conduct

During monitoring of election campaign, the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has witnessed violation of code of conduct issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
In a report released on Tuesday, FAFEN has mentioned 30 National Assembly constituencies where it monitored 49 rallies by 10 political parties and independent candidates from April 2 to 15.
According to findings, of 49 rallies, 34 were held in 17 constituencies of Punjab, six in five constituencies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), three in Sindh, two in Balochistan, three in two constituencies of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and one in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
Most observed rallies (85.7 percent) violated the ECP code in one or more respects, claimed the network, including four rallies held outside the residence of opponents, candidates, or political leaders. Twelve rallies caused inconvenience to people and traffic jams and 33 rallies were held at un-notified locations.
The highest number of violations of ECP code of conduct was observed at the rallies of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with 11 violations during nine rallies and the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) with 11 violations in 10 rallies. Ten rallies of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had as many violations, followed by eight violations by independent candidates in 11 rallies.
FAFEN has deployed Constituency Long-Term Observers (CLTOs) in every NA constituency across the country to observe all electoral processes, including election campaigning.
The ECP’s code of conduct for political parties and candidates is intended to ensure a level playing field for all parties and candidates, and to maintain public security and convenience during the campaign period.