NA deputy speaker apologises over code of conduct violation

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi has tendered a written apology to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for violation of the code of conduct of the local government polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“The Election Commission has not closed the case and his conduct will be closely monitored with regards to the electoral exercise and the code till May 30 when voters poll their votes,” said a senior ECP official while talking to The News here Thursday.
He said the deputy speaker of the National Assembly had also submitted an affidavit holding out an assurance that he would not breach the code in future. Murtaza had spoken to a public meeting in Abbottabad a few days back, asking people to vote for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates in the upcoming polls instead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) contestants.
Murtaza’s opponents have provided a video copy of his speech and had he not tendered an apology, the Election Commission was in a position to take action against him, bringing embarrassment not only to him but more importantly to his party, i.e. PML-N. He had also announced development schemes worth millions of rupees.
The code bars the government functionaries, Senate chairman, NA speaker, deputy speaker and lawmakers from making poll-related speeches and announcements.
The Election Commission Thursday asked the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Senator Sirajul Haq to appear before it on May 25 for addressing an election rally in Mardan’s Katlang area on May 20, being a clear violation of the code.
Notices have also been issued to four Khyber Pakhtunkhwa MPAs belonging to the PTI for alleged violation of sections 26 and 27 of the code. It is pertinent that sitting Minister Mushtaq Ghani and MPA Habibur Rehman have been served second notice in a week. Other MPAs, who have been issued notices, are Akbar Ayub Khan and Sardar Muhammad Idrees. Akbar Ayub is adviser to Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak.
PTI chairman Imran Khan was also summoned by the Election Commission on May 21 for his planned visit to KP regarding polls-related public meetings. However, immediately after the issuance of the notice by the electoral body, he cancelled the planned trip, and accordingly, the notice was also withdrawn by the issuing authority.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Sardar Muhammad Raza Khan, will hear three returning officers and deputy post masters general Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for alleged violation of the election rules and not cooperating with the Election Commission’s staff. The three returning officers were suspended over a month ago, whereas the postal officer has also been recently suspended.
“Chief Election Commissioner has made it clear that the politicians and contesting candidates should not hesitate to approach the Election Commission with evidence, if they feel related laws and rules are being violated. The commission will not shy away from exercising its powers,” the ECP official maintained.
The ECP has also extended the date for adjustment of votes in accordance with the delimitation of union councils and wards for the aspiring candidates from the Islamabad Capital Territory from May 21 to May 30. Voter lists have been displayed at 21 centres, mostly at the government schools and colleges.