KHAR: The local administration on Friday asked the candidates to follow the electoral code of conduct in order to ensure holding of free, fair and peaceful elections in Bajaur region.

“I request the candidates and representatives of political parties to follow the rules and regulations of the Election Commission of Pakistan during the poll campaign so as to ensure peaceful elections in Bajaur,” said deputy commissioner Abdul Amir Khattak while addressing a meeting of candidates here. Candidates for the two National Assembly seats of NA-40 and NA-41, assistant election commissioner Parvez Iqbal, returning officers and assistant returning officers attended the meeting called by the administration. Tribal elders and representatives of several political parties were also present on the occasion.

Mr Khattak, who is also the district returning officer, told the participants that the administration was committed to making all-out efforts for ensuring holding of free and fair elections in the region. He asked the candidates to also educate their supporters about the code of conduct.

The deputy commissioner urged the candidates and political activists to keep friendly relations with each other and avoid using insulting language for any one during the election campaign to keep peaceful environment in the region.

Earlier, Parvez Iqbal briefed the participants about the purpose of meeting and said that following the code of conduct was necessary for every candidate to ensure peaceful and transparent elections.

The Election Commission of Pakistan, he said, would take action against those found violating the code of conduct. On this occasion, most of the candidates refused to receive the booklet of code of conduct as it was in English language. The officials assured them that the translated Pashto version of the booklet would be provided to them so they could understand it easily.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2018