ELECTION COMMISSION’S DIRECTIVE
Islamabad, the 20th April, 2010.- Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad Khan, Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan has said that the Election Commission of Pakistan has received complaints to the effect that despite the fact that the period of forty-eight hours beyond which political campaign is not allowed in accordance with the provisions of Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act, 1976, some Television Channels relayed Talk Shows, etc., targeting a particular candidate or a political party in the bye-elections recently held in different constituencies, which has seriously impaired the fairness and impartiality of the electoral process.
The Secretary has further said that under the Constitution it is the duty of the Election commission to organize and conduct the election and to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law, and that corrupt practices are guarded against.
In order to check the violation of law and to ensure a level playing field for all contesting an election, the Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has been pleased to direct as under:-
i) that no Television Channel shall broadcast anything that affects the public opinion in favour of or against a particular political party or a candidate after the period, beyond which, a political party or a candidate under the law is not allowed to run election campaign.
ii) that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) shall ensure the compliance of aforesaid directive by each and every TV channel.
iii) In case of violation of this directive, appropriate prosecution shall be initiated against such TV Channel in accordance with the provisions of law.