A code of conduct has been prepared for political parties in the run-up to the general elections likely next year.
According to the code, the political parties will have to avoid mocking the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), while gatherings, aerial firing, and firecrackers around polling stations will not be allowed.
According to the ECP’s code of conduct, one would not be able to speak against the ideology of Pakistan, national sovereignty, and integrity. Moreover, National Assembly candidates will be able to spend up to Rs10 million on an election, sources said.
On the other hand, provincial assembly candidates will not be able to spend more than Rs4 million. The political parties will have to refrain from mocking the ECP, while enticing or bribing an opposing candidate to withdraw will be considered a crime, the code stressed.
It further said that political parties will have to follow the 5% women candidates quota on general seats. Incitement to violence will be strictly avoided on polling day, sources added.
An election agent will have to be a voter of the constituency concerned, according to the code of conduct.
