ISLAMABAD, Aug 4: The acting chief election commissioner (CEC) on Thursday directed all the district coordination officers (DCOs) and the district police officers (DPO) to act neutrally and impartially during the forthcoming local government elections.

Acting chief election commissioner Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar also passed instructions to these officers to keep aloof from visits of ministers and advisors to their districts during the election campaign.

It is essential to provide level playing field to all contestants in order to hold free, fair and transparent elections, he said and warned the officials that if any one was found involved in election campaign of any candidate, directly or indirectly, strict action would be taken against him in accordance with law.

Chief Election Commissioner Justice Dogar also issued similar directions to the provincial election commissioner, deputy election commissioners, assistant election commissioners and other officers of the Pakistan Election commission and asked them to remain neutral and impartial during the election process.