ISLAMABAD, Aug 28: Political rallies and processions ahead of October 10 polls will still require government permission, an election commission official said on Wednesday, even after the government announced a relaxation of a 34-month ban on political activities.

The Election Commission announced late Tuesday it would “relax” restrictions on political activities from September 1 by allowing “political meetings” to be held outside, as well as rallies and processions.

All political activities, apart from indoor meetings, had been banned since the military regime seized power in October 1999.

But the spokesman for one of the country’s largest opposition groups described the new concessions as “a joke”.

The Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) spokesman, Siddiqul Farooq, said the so-called “relaxation” was essentially meaningless and would do nothing to promote a truly democratic political process.

“In reality, this is not a lifting of the ban on pre-election activities at all. It’s nothing but a joke,” he said.

An EC spokesman who requested anonymity confirmed to AFP Wednesday that no political procession or rally could be held without permission from authorities.

“(So) political parties are still restricted in their activities. Now we are at the mercy of junior police officers who have the power to decide whether a meeting can go ahead or not,” Mr Farooq said.

The relaxation has been promoted by the government as a concession to the demands of political parties which have been calling for the removal of all restrictions on political activities imposed by Musharraf, who declared himself president in June last year.

An election commission booklet outlining the new code of conduct for campaigning stipulates that organizers of election related activities must inform authorities of the time, place and route taken during any event.

“The party or candidates shall inform the local administration of the venue and time of any proposed meeting well in advance so as to enable the police to make necessary arrangements for controlling traffic and maintaining peace and order,” it said.

The Pakistan People’s Party spokesman, Farhatullah Babar, said that condition alone would allow authorities to deny permission for campaigning activities on spurious grounds.

“Even though this has been described as ‘an easing’ of bans on election activity, the ambiguity of the rules means the initiative remains with Musharraf.

“In reality the ‘lifting of the ban’ means nothing in terms of allowing genuine political activities. It’s a whitewash and a sop to international demands that elections here should be free and fair,” Mr Babar said.—AFP