ISLAMABAD, Sept 21: The Election Commission on Wednesday warned of strict action against voters found to be misusing their right of franchise during the third phase of local government elections.

Secretary EC Kanwar Dilshad said that if a voter was found to be involved in abusing the election process, the commission would not only move to disqualify the voter from a particular union council, but would also take a similar action against his/her candidate.

The commission has already directed the provincial governments and their chief secretaries to ensure security to maintain peace during the October 6 elections being held to elect nazims and councillors on seats reserved for women, peasants/workers and minority communities in the district, tehsil and town councils across the country.

The commission has also warned of taking punitive action against any public employee if found involved in or supporting the election campaign of a candidate.

Earlier, the commission banned transfers and postings of civil and police officers in the four provinces till completion of the election process.

The EC has also allowed deployment of armed forces wherever required to maintain peaceful environment during the elections.