KHAR: The local administration has started removing banners and hoardings of political parties and poll candidates, which are in violation of the election code of conduct set by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

An official told Dawn on Friday that following instructions from the ECP’s monitoring teams the administration with the help of Bajaur Levies had started removing the banners and hoardings of poll nominees in several parts of the district.

He said the candidates had been asked to remove the publicity material in violation of ECP code of conduct prior to launching of the crackdown, but to no avail.

“We had advised all the candidates to remove larger than the prescribed size banners, billboards and other publicity material displayed at public places, but they ignored our request,” the official said, adding the action had been continuing for last several days.

The official vowed that the action would continue to ensure implementation of the ECP code of conduct.

He said workers of some political parties and supporters of poll nominees had showed resistance when Levies personnel were removing the publicity material.

The official said the ECP had also expressed concern over the trend of installing party flags and banners on the electricity poles despite warnings not to do so.

The official said the administration had taken every possible measure to ensure foolproof security to poll candidates.

He said 20 Levies personnel had been assigned duty with prominent poll nominee while three to five personnel to low profile candidates.

According to him, the administration was also providing security at the public meetings of candidates.

The official said the administration was committed to conducting the July 25 election in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2018