ISLAMABAD, Jan 29: The code of conduct for general elections prepared by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and unveiled on Tuesday strictly prohibits the prime minister, governors and chief ministers and all other holders of public office from taking part in the poll campaign and announcing development schemes or doing anything which may influence the election result in any constituency.

The code prohibits use of official mass media for partisan coverage of political events and releasing advertisements highlighting achievements of the federal and provincial governments at the cost of public exchequer.

It asks political parties and candidates to restrain their workers from pressurising print and electronic media or indulging in acts of violence against the media.

The ECP has softened the condition for registering transactions related to election expenses with GST-registered firms.

In the draft code, it was binding for candidates to register the expenses with GST-registered firms, but the clause was opposed by the Senate Special Committee on Election Issues on the ground that it was not possible because there were no GST-registered firms.

The ECP modified the clause which now reads “All transactions relating to election expenses shall be entered into with GST-registered firms/persons, wherever possible”.

The code says the organisers of processions will ensure that vehicular traffic is not hindered or blocked. In the event of a procession being long, it shall be taken out in segments so that traffic may move smoothly, particularly at roundabouts.

Candidates will provide badges or identity cards to their polling agents, who will also be required to carry their national identity cards.

The code makes it clear that violation by any political party or candidate shall be deemed as malpractice and entail legal action, including disqualification of the candidate.

PPI adds: Political parties and candidates will not propagate any opinion prejudicial to the ideology of Pakistan or sovereignty and integrity of the country or which defames or ridicules the judiciary and the armed forces.

The candidates and their supporters shall avoid activities deemed offences in the election-related laws such as bribing of voters, intimidation, impersonation and canvassing within 400 yards of a polling station.

Candidates and their supporters shall refrain from making speeches which may arouse parochial and sectarian feelings or a controversy between genders, sects, communities and linguistic groups.

Political parties shall not use a vehicle to transport voters to or from polling stations.

They shall not propagate against the participation of any person in the elections on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion or caste.

No transaction for election expenses shall be made through a bank account other than the one opened for the purpose.

There shall be a ban on carrying and display of weapons in public meetings and processions, on the polling day and till 24 hours after the consolidation of official results.

Incitement to violence or resort to violence during meetings, processions or polling hours shall be avoided.

Political parties, candidates and their supporters shall not hoist party flags on any public property or at any public place, except with the written permission by authorities.

Wall chalking shall be prohibited and use of loudspeaker will not be allowed, except at public meetings during election campaigns.

After the announcement of the election schedule till the day of polling, no candidate or any person on his behalf shall give any donation or make promise for a donation to any institution in their constituencies.