ISLAMABAD: While a case related to the local government elections in Islamabad is still pending adjudication, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is determined to conduct the polls on July 25.

The ECP has also issued a code of conduct for the media under which no radio or TV channel shall broadcast or telecast and no print media shall publish anything that adversely affects the public opinion against a particular candidate.

The print and electronic media has been directed to broadcast, telecast or publish only authentic election results officially issued by the presiding officer, returning officer or the ECP.

The media has also been directed to refrain from disseminating any information about a political party or a candidate which is not supported by cogent evidence about any election related activity.

Issues codes of conduct for media, election observers and polling staff

“Due care shall also be exercised by them to ascertain veracity of any information or news relating to a candidate before its telecast, broadcast or publication,” said the code.

Any remarks about personal life of any candidate shall be avoided in the print and electronic media. The ECP also directed Pemra to monitor the coverage given to candidates for their election campaigns through public, private radio and TV channels.

Pemra will obtain the transmission certificates and the details of payments made by the candidates and forwarded the copies to the ECP.

The commission has also directed mediapersons not to obstruct any element of the election process and display their identification cards provided by the ECP whenever required by the presiding or returning officers.

The ECP on Monday also issued a code of conduct for election observers, directing them to follow the instructions issued by the commission and the state authorities, including security officials.

International observers have been directed to comply with advisories that may be issued by the government or security agencies to ensure their safety during their stay in Pakistan.

The code stated that the ‘observes’ have to maintain strict political impartially, and will not perform any activity that could be perceived as favouring any candidate such as displaying any partisan symbols.

The ECP also issued a code of conducts for the polling agents, polling and the security staff.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2015

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