Karachi, The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a detailed code of conduct for the upcoming general elections, scheduled for February 8 next year, emphasizing fair and peaceful electoral practices.

According to Radio Pakistan, the code of conduct outlines strict guidelines for political parties, candidates, and election agents. It prohibits the propagation of opinions or actions that are prejudicial to Pakistan’s ideology, sovereignty, integrity, and security. Moreover, it bars practices that may harm public morality, order, the integrity of the judiciary, or ridicule the Armed Forces.

The ECP’s code also disallows offering gifts, gratifications, or inducements to influence candidacy decisions or election outcomes. Any violation will be considered a corrupt practice. Additionally, the code ensures that agreements debarring men, women, and transgender individuals from participating as candidates or voters are strictly prohibited. Emphasis is placed on encouraging women’s participation in the election process.

Political parties and candidates are urged to prevent their workers from destroying election materials, including ballot papers, electoral rolls, ballot boxes, and the compartments’ screens. The code also prohibits government servants or public office holders from influencing the election campaign or results.

To maintain peace during the pre-poll campaign and on polling day, candidates and their supporters are instructed to condemn violence and avoid language that might incite violence. There will be a complete ban on carrying and displaying weapons at public meetings, processions, on polling day, and until the official results are consolidated.

The code further restricts the involvement of high-ranking government officials, including the President, Prime Minister, and others in the election campaign, extending this provision to caretaker setups as well. However, Senate members and local government officials are allowed to participate.

On polling day, political parties, candidates, and election agents are expected to cooperate with election officials and law enforcement agencies to ensure orderly polling and the voters’ freedom to exercise their franchise.

The District Returning Officers, Returning Officers, and District Monitoring Officers are tasked with ensuring the implementation of the Code of Conduct in their respective areas, ensuring a fair and peaceful electoral process.