ISLAMABAD, Nov 9: The Election Commission has sent copies of revised code of conduct for election candidates and their parties to all major political parties, inviting their suggestions on the draft within 15 days.

A review of the revised code shows that two clauses that were part of the previous draft have been struck off.

The move left many wondering why the clause under which political parties and candidates were bound to convey schedule of their meetings to the district administration at least one week in advance had been dropped.

However, there is a cogent reason for omitting the other clause, as it apparently contradicted the clause banning display of weapons and firearms at public meetings and processions. The deleted clause said: “The political parties or candidates shall exercise control to the maximum extent possible in the matter of persons in the procession carrying weapons/… which may be put to misuse causing violence by undesirable elements, especially in moments of excitement.”

The phrase was confusing and gave an impression as if carrying weapons was allowed during processions.

In a letter to the heads and general secretaries of political parties, EC additional secretary Mohammad Afzal Khan invited their attention to the importance of their feedback and said the perusal of the code of conduct would reveal that it was aimed at creating a level playing field for all political parties and candidates and an environment in which fair, transparent and peaceful elections could be held without causing any tension, harassment or inconvenience for all involved in this electoral exercise as well as for the public at large.

Hoping the political parties and candidates would abide by the code and contribute to avoiding violent conflicts and building public support for credible polls, he said the violation of the code might entail serious consequences, including disqualification.

Mr Khan requested the political parties to send their comments within two weeks to the commission and said in case no comments were received within the specified time, it would be deemed that they were in agreement with the draft.

Iftikhar A. Khan