Summary ECP stated level playing ground would be provided to all candidates in the general elections.
“The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will provide level playing ground to all the political parties and contesting candidates to ensure fair, transparent and credible elections as elections are not only vital for the democracy but also for the stability of the country ”.
This was stated by Ishtiak Ahmad Khan, Secretary ECP in a meeting with the participants of the 12th Senior Management Course (SMC) of National Institute of Management, Karachi, who visited the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on their inland study tour on Wednesday.
Ishtiak Ahmad Khan said that a survey has been conducted regarding establishment of permanent polling stations and after approval of the ECP, the list of these permanent polling stations will be shared with political parties inviting suggestions/complaints thereon. Later on, it will be placed on ECP’s website to eliminate the possibility of any changes at eleventh hour and to keep the voters informed about the location of their concerned polling stations.
The Secretary informed the participants that Code of Conduct for the political parties and candidates has already been finalized and sent to the political parties on 7th October 2012 to seek their valuable feedback latest by October 22, 2012.
He further said the participants that the said Code will be implemented in letter and spirit and any violation thereof, will be dealt strictly which could entail disqualification of the candidates as well.
The President, Governors, Prime Minister, Ministers and Advisors etc. have been barred from visiting any constituency during any election and announcing any developmental scheme etc. after announcement of election schedule, he added.
Earlier, a detailed presentation was given by Muhammad Afzal Khan, Additional Secretary ECP to the participants on the vision and mission, role and responsibilities, composition, legal frame work and status of the ECP.
He said the participants that under Article 220 of the Constitution of Pakistan, all executive authorities are bound to assist the Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP in discharge of his or its duties.
The delegation was headed by Tauqir Ahmad, DG, National Institute of Management and accompanied by other faculty members. The participants appreciated the steps taken by the ECP for ensuring free, fair and transparent election in the country and hoped that the coming elections will be historic in the history of Pakistan.
