BATTAGRAM: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has directed the district administration to cancel tender notices of development schemes issued ahead of the local government polls in Battagram.

A letter issued by ECP to deputy commissioner, who is also district returning officer, has asked him to cancel all those tender notices that were published after the announcement of the schedule of local government elections.

The letter states that it has been observed that tender notices are being floated through electronic and print media by some departments even after issuance of schedule of polls, which is clear violation of section 181 of the election Act and section 33 of the code of conduct of LGE (Phase-2) 2022.

Meanwhile, the administration has imposed Section-144 in the district till completion of poll process in an effort to maintain law and order during the local government elections.

A notification issued by the office of deputy commissioner said that display of arms at public places during the election campaign and at polling stations; holding of public gatherings, conferences and rallies except corner meetings; wall chalking; displaying banners, pamphlets and panaflex except the legal size notified by ECP; and printing and displaying of Quranic verses and Hadith would be completely banned till completion of election process under Section-144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The district administration also asked police to take strict action against the violators under the relevant laws.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2022