ISLAMABAD, March 20: The Pakistan Muslim League (QA) on Tuesday demanded that pre-condition of being ‘graduate’ to contest elections should be removed.
A nine-member delegation of the PML(QA) led by Gohar Ayub Khan, called on the chief election commissioner, Chief Justice (R) Irshad Hasan Khan on Tuesday.
The PML(QA) demanded that the ban be imposed on the activities of those who ridicule and work against the ideology of Pakistan, the judiciary and the armed forces.
The other demands were that persons, indulging in any activity whereby the integrity of Pakistan is endangered and/or sectarianism, torture, terrorism or any kind of persecution is promoted, ought to be disqualified to contest elections.
An all-parties conference should be convened and a code of conduct be prepared.
With the announcement of election schedule, all government departments should come under the direct control of the CEC and all kinds of appointments/postings/transfers be made under his orders.
Each political party should be obliged to submit list of women candidates, contesting elections from its platform, three days before the election campaign ends.
With a view to alleviate financial burden on the ‘national exchequer’, election of national/provincial assemblies should be held on the same day.
The election commission should decide all the matters requiring resolution within 60 days.
Wall-chalking should be banned. Ban be imposed on displaying banners, large portraits or such other holding should be banned.
Polling scheme should be announced 14 or 21 days prior to the election day.
Number of polling stations should be doubled and polling stations should be established in the nearest school are any government building.
If a Nazim or Naib Nazim wanted to contest election for a national or provincial assembly seat, he should resign from his existing position, three months prior to election.
The limits of polling stations should be given special attention. The code of conduct should be prepared immediately. Distribution of hand-bills should be allowed.
Pasting of ‘poster’ on wall should be banned. Minimum size for ‘poster’ should be prescribed. Proposals should be invited for ‘the delimitation of constituencies.