General Elections 2024: ECP finalizes Code of Conduct

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finalized the Code of Conduct for the upcoming general elections in 2024.

The sources said that the code has been developed in collaboration with political parties, with their input taken into consideration.

They said that the drafted Code of Conduct incorporates suggestions from political parties. Notably, during the election campaign, political parties are prohibited from making statements against the sovereignty of Pakistan, and they are expected to refrain from ridiculing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

To maintain fairness, political parties and candidates are required to abstain from offering gifts, inducements, or bribes to influence other candidates to withdraw in their favor. Additionally, they must ensure the safety of election staff and polling agents.

The Code of Conduct emphasizes the implementation of a 5% women’s quota in the general elections of 2024 by political parties. Parties and candidates are strongly discouraged from promoting violence on polling day, and the display of weapons during the election campaign is strictly prohibited. Aerial shootings and firecrackers are also banned during public gatherings.

According to the code, election agents must be registered voters in the relevant constituency. National Assembly candidates are permitted to spend up to Rs10 million in their election campaigns, while Provincial Assembly candidates have a limit of 4 million rupees. Successful candidates are required to submit detailed accounts of election expenses to Returning Officers.