PS-105 candidate gets show-cause notice for violating code of conduct

KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) Sindh office has started monitoring the corner meetings of the political parties contesting the February 8 general elections. It has also formed teams to take action in case of violations of the issued code of conduct.

The ECP Sindh’s issued order reads: “The code of conduct is being monitored during the election campaign across Sindh for the general elections 2024. Instructions have been issued to ensure the implementation of the code of conduct.

“In Karachi East, Malir, Mirpur Sakro, Jacobabad, Larkana, Tharparkar and Sukkur, all publicity materials, including signboards, Panaflexes, posters and banners, have been removed from public roads, public parks, government buildings and traffic signs. The monitoring teams of the election commission are playing an active role across Sindh, and taking timely action against violations. “Election Commissioner Sindh Sharifullah has issued strict instructions to the district monitoring officers, and further said that the monitoring teams are also in the field to fully implement and ensure compliance with the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan.”

Officials said the ECP Sindh, Karachi, has also taken notice of the aerial firing in a constituency in Karachi East, and directed the provincial police chief to take strict action in this regard, and take immediate action in accordance with the law for violating the commission’s code of conduct regarding elections.

According to an ECP spokesman, the district monitoring officer has issued a show-cause notice to the candidate for PS-105 for violating Section 17 of the code of conduct, and directed the candidate to submit a reply within two days.

The show-cause notice reads: “The undersigned has received a complaint from the Election Commission of Pakistan that during the corner meeting of your party aerial firing was carried out to show off the power of your party and harass the opponents by showing aggressive attitude and threat to other contesting candidates.

“The following guidelines have already been communicated for abiding by in letter and spirit. The para 17 of the code of conduct issued by the honourable Election Commission of Pakistan is reproduced.

“‘All types of firing including aerial firing, use of crackers and other explosives at public meetings and at or near the polling stations by any person shall not be allowed. Violation will be treated as an illegal practice.’

“Keeping in view the gravity of the situation on the basis of available evidence of a viral video clip, you are hereby directed to reply in your defence that why further necessary action against an illegal practice may not be taken. The reply may reach within two days of receipt of this notice.”