As the countdown to Pakistan’s general elections reaches its final hours, political entities intensify their efforts to appeal to the electorate. ECP has issued a strict caution, prohibiting political endeavours past a specified cutoff time.
Under the Elections Act of 2017, Section 182, public assemblies, marches, and other campaign-related activities must be halted 48 hours before election day. The ECP has underscored that violations of this rule will result in imprisonment or substantial fines.
Furthermore, the commission has established a control room to monitor the election process. In a pioneering move, WhatsApp has been chosen as a medium for lodging complaints and facilitating access to the election proceedings.
The campaigning period ends midnight between February 6 and 7, initiating a 48-hour ban on political activities.
Final Campaign Efforts
Parties and candidates have ramped up their campaigning efforts before the ban. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) plans to wrap up its campaign with a significant event in Larkana, featuring a public gathering at the Municipal Stadium. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Aseefa Bhutto, and other key figures will spearhead this meeting.
Similarly, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) intends to conclude its campaigning with a major rally in Khudian, Kasur. Prominent leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and Hamza Shehbaz, are expected to participate in this Railway Ground event.
Shehbaz Sharif is the PML-N’s nominee for NA-132 Khudian, Kasur.
