ECP issues 30-point code for elections
ECP issues 30-point code of conduct for country’s electoral process
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a 30-point code of conduct for international observers and media persons, providing guidelines for conduct, impartiality, and security during the observation and reporting of the country’s electoral process, and aims to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
According to the code of conduct, individuals or groups who observe and report on the electoral process in Pakistan must read and sign a Code of Conduct that includes a pledge.
This code of conduct is also applicable on official social media accounts of international newspapers, channels, media persons and other social media influencers.
International observers and media personnel must follow the rules for visa applications and respect Pakistan’s sovereignty and the fundamental rights and freedoms of its people. They cannot stay beyond the duration of their granted visa. International observers and media should follow the constitution and laws of Pakistan and respect the Election Commission and its officials. Observations and reporting should be impartial, objective, and accurate. International observers and media must follow instructions from the Election Commission and State authorities and maintain a respectful attitude.
Comply with safety advisories from the government or security agencies. Respect the culture and customs of the country and act professionally. Display official identification badges at all times and present them when requested. Maintain political impartiality, with no bias or preference for political parties or candidates. Obey rules for photography and restrictions on taking pictures. Ask questions and clear queries without obstructing the election process. Work harmoniously with other observers, media, and polling staff. Consult with Election Commission for safety and select areas for observation to ensure balanced reporting.
International Election Observers and media persons may hire the services of Pakistani interpreters if required. However, they shall provide all necessary details of these interpreters while applying for accreditation card. These interpreters shall also remain non-partisan and unbiased.
Observe and report without interfering in the proceedings. No interference in internal process at any polling station. Avoid personal/professional relationships that could lead to a conflict of interest. No gifts or favors from political parties/organizations/persons involved in the election. No wearing/carrying/displaying of party symbols/colors. No personal comments on observation or conclusion to media. Avoid activities that favor or oppose political parties/candidates. International media content should not threaten the peace/security of Pakistan or incite hatred/violence against any group/person. Avoid personal attacks on candidates/political parties based on gender, religion, sect, caste, etc.
No broadcasting/printing of content that adversely affects public opinion against a political party/candidate. Refrain from conducting surveys/polls that may influence voters’ choice. Only broadcast/publish official election results issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Share findings/methodology/recommendations/reports with Election Commission of Pakistan. The government and law enforcing agencies of Pakistan shall provide security to International Observers and media persons. Violation of the code of conduct may result in withdrawal of observer accreditation/journalist accreditation. The authority to determine the violation also rests with the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Cabinet decides to take up election funds matter in Parliament
The federal cabinet has decided to take up in Parliament the matter of providing funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for holding Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa elections.
The decision was taken after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a cabinet meeting on the weekly holiday (Sunday) to deal with the “current political and constitutional crises” in the country.
In the meeting’s agenda, the issue of funds for elections in Punjab reportedly came under consideration, while the federal government also decided to either give or not give funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Officials have been asked to sit out the cabinet meeting, a private TV channel reported.
It was also earlier quoted that the meeting would discuss President Dr Arif Alvi’s decision to return the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023, Justice Athar Minallah’s dissenting note, Supreme Court’s verdict on polls and deliberation on the country’s political and economic issues would also come under discussion.
The meeting, held via video link with the premier and most ministers joining it online, devised a strategy to address matters surrounding the bill with the government’s legal team in attendance.
The federal cabinet meeting also approved the decisions taken during the National Security Council (NSC) meeting that took place on Friday.
Ministers, who have joined the cabinet meeting from the PM House, include Inter-Provincial Coordination Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Overseas Pakistanis Minister Sajid Toori, Housing Minister Maulana Abdul Wasay, State Minister Hashim Notezai, while the prime minister’s advisor Ameer Muqam is also present in-person.
Those attending online include Economic Affairs Minister Ayaz Sadiq and Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq.
A special meeting of the federal cabinet has been called again today (Monday) at the Parliament House.
Consultation on matters related to the joint session of parliament will come under discussion in the meeting, they added.
The cabinet will also decide its stance on providing funds to the ECP for elections, while matters pertaining to legislation will also come under consideration.
A day earlier, President Alvi returned the bill curtailing the chief justice’s powers with a request for reconsideration in order to meet the scrutiny about its validity. APP
