ISLAMABAD, July 1: A proposed code of conduct for candidates for local government elections 2005 restrains them from inciting parochial or sectarian feelings, controversy or conflicts in their campaign speeches.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Justice Abdul Hamid Dogar told Dawn here on Friday that the new code of conduct for the candidates of the local bodies elections was being revised by the Election Commission and will be released in a couple of days.

“We are bringing some improvements in the code of conduct to ensure free, fair and transparent local government elections,” Justice Dogar observed.

According to the draft code of conduct, candidates, would not be allowed to hold public meetings or rallies on main streets, roads and chowks. However they could hold corner meetings to announce their election manifesto.

Similarly, candidates and their agents would not be allowed to obstruct or interrupt speeches of rival candidates or prevent them from distributing handbills and leaflets.

Likewise use of fire crackers, explosives or carriage of lethal weapons and fire arms will not be allowed in any corner meetings.

The candidates will also refrain from calling opponents as “Kafir” (infidel), traitor or disseminate false or malicious information.

He could also not use any religious place like mosque, imambargah, church or temple to hold corner meetings.

Similarly, candidates will not criticize the private or personal life of opponents or level false allegations against him. The proposed code of conduct also bars candidates from setting up election camp on any road or public place. The election camp should also as simple as possible.

The draft code of conduct also refrains candidates from brining processions of buses, trucks, other vehicles or torch processions. He is also not allowed to give subscription, donation or to make promise of giving such donations to any institution in their respective union council, or make commitments for development projects.

It also requires from candidates to avoid corrupt practices and offences under election laws, like bribing to voters, intimidation, impersonation and canvassing within 200 meters of a polling station. Besides he or his supporters will not in any way cause injury to any person or damage any property.