KARACHI, May 6: The Election Commission is committed to act with neutrality, objectivity, impartiality and independence at every stage of the electoral process, said the provincial Election Commissioner, Ahmad Ali Halepota, here on Thursday.

He held out the assurance when his attention was drawn to apprehensions about fair by-elections as expressed by the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and other opposition parties.

He pointed out that since law and order was the responsibility of provincial governments, the chief election commissioner had directed all the provincial governments to call the armed forces in aid of the civil authorities, if so required, in any constituency where the by-elections were being held.

The chief secretaries, home secretaries and IGs were also asked to take appropriate measures to ensure maintenance of law and order before, during and after the voting.

Mr Halepota said that recently, when a delegation of MMA called on the EC in connection with the May 12 by-polls, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Irshad Hasan Khan had not only banned transfers and postings till May 29, but had also called for a report from the chief secretary and IG regarding grievances of the MMA.

Besides, he added, the DROs, ROs and AROs had been asked to perform their duties in accordance with law without fear and favour. Likewise, presiding officers and election staff had been asked not to allow any extraneous elements to deter them from performing their duties fairly.

Mr Halepota recalled that capturing of polling stations, polling booths, etc. was punishable with imprisonment, which may extend up to five years with a fine of Rs100,000 under section 82A of the Representation of People Act-1976.