The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set forth a stringent code of conduct for political parties ahead of the 2024 general elections.
As announced by the commission’s spokesperson, this code of conduct is now accessible on the official website.
Emphasizing the importance of upholding Pakistan’s ideology, sovereignty, security, and integrity, the commission's declaration has outlined stringent guidelines. Political parties and candidates are prohibited from expressing any views that might contradict the country’s foundational principles or undermine its national institutions, including the judiciary and the armed forces.
In addition to safeguarding the reputation of vital institutions, the code of conduct explicitly prohibits political entities from ridiculing or belittling the ECP itself. This directive aims to ensure that political discourse remains respectful and focused on constructive dialogue.
One of the critical clauses in this code of conduct involves refraining from offering bribes or gifts to rival candidates to influence their withdrawal from the electoral race. This directive aims to maintain the integrity of the election process and prevent undue influences on candidates.
Moreover, the electoral watchdog has mandated a minimum 5 percent representation of women among the candidates, ensuring a more inclusive participation of women in the political arena.
Addressing concerns regarding constituency delineation, the Commission clarified that the distribution of seats aligns with the Election Act 2017 and the accompanying regulations. Seats are allocated based on the population of a province, with each district receiving a proportional quota. This ensures a fair and balanced representation across different regions based on their population size. For instance, if a district's seat allocation corresponds to 4.49, it will be granted four seats in adherence to the established quota system.
The code of conduct represents a concerted effort by the Election Commission to maintain the integrity, fairness, and respectability of the electoral process, fostering an environment conducive to transparent and inclusive elections in Pakistan.
