LAHORE: The PPP on Monday held a demonstration outside the Election Commission office here against the returning officer for not taking action against NA-122 PML-N and PTI candidates for allegedly violating the election code of conduct.

Led by PPP candidate barrister Aamir Hasan the protesters demanded that the ECP change the RO for his inability to initiate action against Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Aleem Khan for ‘lavish’ spending on their election campaign.

“The federal and provincial ministers are openly doing campaign for Mr Sadiq but the RO concerned seems to be afraid of taking any legal action against the ruling party candidate,” Mr Hasan said while talking to Dawn.

He said he had presented all the record related to election code of conduct violation by the PML-N and PTI candidates to the RO, provincial and federal offices of the ECP but they seemed to be “reluctant” to take action against both candidates.

He said the precedent the ECP was setting by not taking stern action on violation of its code of conduct would result in discouraging the candidates having humble background to contest against such candidates.

Last week on the petition of Mr Hasan, RO Zahid Iqbal had sought replies from Ayaz Sadiq and Aleem Khan on allegations of exceeding the expenses limit on their respective election campaigns and violating the rules fixed for publicity materials, etc.

“The RO was supposed to announce strict action against both candidates today but he was absent from his office,” Mr Hasan said.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2015

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