Punjab Election Commissioner Ijaz Anwar Chohan has said that political parties and candidates should play their role for free, fair and transparent elections and ensure compliance with the code of conduct on polling day.

Talking to the media in Lahore, he said, “If political parties and candidates take such steps that create obstacles to the smooth conduct of elections, appropriate measures will be taken”.

He said that returning officers and the presiding officers had been given adequate powers to exercise in such circumstances, adding that the police and army personnel would also be present and it was their duty to control the law and order situation.

The provincial election commissioner said that all arrangements were finalised for the conduct of general elections in Punjab, urging voters to come out of their homes and cast votes.

Reiterating the commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, he affirmed readiness to tackle any challenges on polling day.