ECP TAKES NOTICE OF IRREGULARITIES IN BYE- ELECTIONS
Islamabad, the 29th November 2012: The Election Commission of Pakistan has taken serious notice of various complaints received from contesting candidates, political parties and individuals regarding irregularities where bye-elections are going to be held on 4th December 2012.
The Election Commission of Pakistan directed the Chief Secretary, Punjab; Inspector General of Police, Punjab; DCOs and DPOs concerned to ensure implementation of Code of Conduct in letter and spirit and that no Government machinery/state resources shall be used in electoral campaign activities in favour of any candidate.
In this regard, separate letters have been issued to all the concerned authorities and they been directed that any violation of ECPs Code of Conduct may be looked into in order to ensure the conduct of free, fair and transparent bye-elections. Copies of all the complaints have also been sent to them and they have been asked to probe into the matter and submit a comprehensive report of the actions taken in this regard to the Election Commission.
They have also been warned that in this connection any deviation may entail legal consequences. Moreover, as envisaged under Article 220 of the Constitution, it is the duty of all executive authorities in the Federation and Provinces to assist the Commission in the discharge of its duties. Therefore, all the executive authorities in the Federation and in the Provinces shall ensure that there is no use of State resources for unfair advantage of a particular candidate or political party and they shall not exercise undue influence affecting the interest of a candidate or party for participating in any election.
Furthermore, the Provincial Election Commissioner (PEC), Punjab has also been directed to ensure that such complaints shall not be repeated in future as the ECP is committed to take all possible steps to redress the concerns of any complainant and to ensure that the Bye-elections are conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law and that the corrupt practices are guarded against.
It is pertinent to mention here that bye-elections in NA-107 Gujrat-IV, NA-162 Sahiwall-III, PP-26 Jehlum-III, PP-92 Gujranwala-II, and PP-122 Sialkot-II are scheduled to be held on 4th December, 2012.