ISLAMABAD, Oct 18: Pattan Development Organization has called for strict enforcement of code of conduct to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in future.

This recommendation was made by the national coordinator of Pattan, Sarwar Bari, at a press conference here on Friday.

He said there was no way of challenging the statement of expenses filed by the candidates and parties, therefore, the code of conduct should be more practical and enforceable.

He said contrary to past elections, expenses had increased manifold during these polls, though, according to the Election Commission, a limit of Rs1.5 million for the National Assembly and Rs1 million for the provincial assembly candidates had been declared mandatory as far as campaign-related expenses were concerned.

However, he said, according to the findings of Pattan, about 90 per cent of the voters did not face any problem while the voters’ turnout percentage was estimated at 42 per cent.

Mr Bari said Pattan conducted its study randomly in around 49 constituencies across Pakistan and selected 490 polling stations in these constituencies.

As many as 6,310 voters were interviewed, besides polling agents, managers of party camps and polling staff. He said research findings were based on structured interviews and they were asked multiple questions which nullified any personal bias.

He further added that the October 10 elections were held in a much more organized and peaceful manner as compared to previous elections.

Cases of violence and poll-related incidents also declined, he added.

However, it was observed that the candidates and Nazimeen, in collusion with some presiding officers, intimidated and harassed their opponents.

Commenting on Pattan’s recommendations, he said, in future transparent ballot boxes should be introduced and database of public buildings be maintained for using them as polling stations.

Polling stations should also be established in the far-flung areas to facilitate voters, he added.