EC's Fresh Reminder

The Election Commission (EC) appears to be quite serious about implementing the election code of conduct scrupulously as the elections to the House of Representatives and Provincial Assemblies are approaching. The election body has frequently asked the political parties, their candidates and independent aspirants to abide by the poll code in its letter and spirit in order to hold the forthcoming elections in a free, fair and impartial way. With a rise in the number of incidents related to the violation of the election code of conduct by the political parties and their contenders, the EC, the other day, issued a seven-point written instruction to them. It has directed them to carry out their election campaigns only in line with the poll code. The EC has also warned of taking action against those found guilty. It may be worthwhile to recall here that the EC had unveiled the election code after having extensive discussions with the representatives of all the political parties. 

The top leaders representing different political forces had expressed their commitment to honour the poll code in order to ensure a fair election. Voters can make their informed decision by voting for the candidates of their choice only when a congenial poll atmosphere is created. The poll authority said it issued the fresh directives after having received the information that some political leaders holding positions of gains were misusing public resources for canvassing. According to the EC, those leaders were found leading a group of more than 25 persons, including security personnel, to door-to-door campaigns, rallies and corner meetings. The existing poll code allows parties or their candidates to mobilise less than 25 people in the course of door-to-door canvassing. The EC has also raised its concern about the use of government vehicles in election drives. Parties and candidates must not use vehicles without obtaining permission from the election body.    

Clause 5 of the election code bars ministers of federal and provincial governments from lobbying for any political parties or candidates in constituencies other than their own without getting approval from the EC. They, however, can take part in poll campaigns in the constituencies they are contesting from. As per this provision, the election body has called on them to fully comply with the poll code while conducting electioneering drives. It has also directed the office bearers at the local executives not to get engaged with any electioneering activities at the local level they are associated with. It has alerted them against the use of government resources while taking part in election campaigns in other local levels. 

Besides, the EC has reminded the political parties and their nominees of Clause 13 of the election code that permits them to organise a rally, a mass meeting, a corner meeting or to disseminate or broadcast any sort of contents meant for the electioneering through media only 17 days before the polling date. The election code also puts a ban on the display of poll publicity materials, party flags, pamphlets and banners, among others, in private or public buildings, public parks, public street poles and other public places. Those flouting such norms may face legal action. Meanwhile, the EC has sought clarifications from different candidates and other leaders for not adhering to the poll code of conduct and laws. Being the key stakeholders, the political parties and candidates have a crucial role to cooperate in holding the elections in a desired manner.