FAISALABAD, Aug 16: Efforts made by the Election Commission and the district administration for the implementation of the code of conduct for the candidates have proved futile both in rural and urban areas of the district.

Over 10,000 candidates are in the race for 3,757 seats of nazims, naib nazims and councillors of 289 union councils, and almost all of them have been canvassing ignoring the election rules.

The district administration officers, police functionaries and the other authorities concerned held meetings with the candidates to force them to observe the code of conduct, but no-one is ready to obey the instructions.

During a round of some city areas and villages of Samundri, Jaranwala, Tandlianwala and Chak Jhumra tehsils, it was observed that election meetings were being arranged by the candidates and their supporters at main intersections of their respective areas. Blocking of roads, the use of loudspeaker, raising slogans against rivals, hoisting of party flags and even the presence of parliamentarians and ministers in election meetings have become a routine.

Lavish meals are being served to the voters during meetings and processions in violation of the election rules. Some candidates have started distributing gift hampers during a door-to-door campaign.

In the rural areas, the menace of biradrism has become a main instrument for the candidates to muster support of voters. In some union councils, women candidates have adopted a unique method to attract voters by arranging religious gatherings.