January 19, 2002	Saturday	Ziqa'ad 4, 1422

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 18: Chief Election Commissioner Irshad Hassan Khan has said the election commission is finalizing a code of conduct for candidates to ensure implementation on the election reforms announced by the government.

A code of conduct is being worked out so that righteous, honest and educated leadership could reach the democratic institutions, he said in an interview with NNI on Friday.

The election commission would consult the leaders of political parties to hold fair and transparent election, he said and added that the government had granted more autonomy to the commission.

The commission is making preparations for the general election and over 100,000 people are scrutinizing the voters’ lists.

Those who have attained 21 years of age on Jan 1 would be included in the voters’ lists.

In a statement, issued here on Friday, the CEC said it was the constitutional duty of the election commission to make such arrangements as were necessary to ensure that the election was conducted honestly, fairly and in accordance with law.

“The election commission shall take all necessary and effective steps to ensure that entire election process is fair, just and transparent.” The CEC said the commission was an independent institution and revolutionary steps would be taken to improve its performance.

SUSPENDED: The CEC has suspended three officers of the election commission on the charges of corruption and misconduct, reports APP.

According to a press release, issued here on Friday, the CEC suspended Tariq Latif, joint secretary in the election commission secretariat, Islamabad; Tanveer Zia Butt, assistant election commissioner in the office of the Punjab election commissioner; and Habib-ur-Rehman, election officer, Khanewal.