The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced a comprehensive code of conduct for the upcoming Senate elections, scheduled for April 2, emphasizing ethical campaigning and integrity.
The directive prohibits political entities and individuals from engaging in conduct that undermines the state’s institutions’ morality, public order, or constitutional integrity, including the parliament, judiciary, and armed forces. Additionally, it forbids actions detrimental to the ideals of Islam, the ideology of Pakistan, and national sovereignty.
The code mandates adherence to ECP’s guidelines to ensure a fair electoral process as outlined in the Elections Act, 2017. It specifically bars maligning the ECP and engaging in corrupt or illegal practices. The regulation extends to public servants, barring them from influencing the electoral outcomes in favour of or against any candidate.
Furthermore, it restricts the involvement of the President and provincial Governors in the campaign activities, maintaining the impartiality of their offices. Voters are also instructed not to bring mobile phones or any device capable of photographing the ballot paper into polling stations to protect the secrecy of their vote.
Candidates must manage their campaign finances through a dedicated bank account established in compliance with the scrutiny schedule of nomination papers. This account is exclusively for election-related transactions, ensuring transparency in campaign expenditures. The code also sets a maximum limit for election expenses, aligning with Section 132 of the Elections Act, 2017.
After the elections, candidates must submit detailed expense reports to the Returning Officer, adhering to the stipulated deadlines to maintain financial accountability. This comprehensive code is designed to uphold the highest electoral conduct and fairness standards.
