Lower Dir public meeting: ECP issues notices to PM

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday issued notices to Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman, Chief Minister Mehmood Khan. federal ministers Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Asad Umer and Murad Saeed. Also others for attending an election rally in Lower Dir in violation of the ECP code of conduct.

The ECP district monitoring officer (DMO) Lower Dir issued notices to these public-office holders. Over violation of the revised code of conduct by addressing a public rally there. He had, earlier, advised the PM to cancel his plan and now he asked him to appear. Before him in person or through counsel on March 14, along with a written statement in his defense.

Also Read: Election commission stops Imran Khan rallying Lower Dir

The DMO said that sufficient evidence was available to establish that the code of conduct violated. The notices have warned, “in case of your failure to submit your written defense. Or failure to appear before the undersigned, in person or through counsel. An ex-parte decision taken under Section-243 of the Elections Act, 2017”.

Moreover, notices have issued to seven electoral candidates from different tehsils of Lower Dir over the related violation. The Election Commission can impose a maximum fine of Rs50,000 on anyone found guilty of violating the electoral code of conduct, in exercise of its powers under Section 234 (3) of Elections Act, 2017.

Power of ECP:

The commission also the powers to disqualify any candidate from contesting polls if he/she is found violating electoral code of conduct more than once, under Section 234 (4) of the Act.

Earlier, putting aside the ‘controversial’ presidential ordinance, amending electoral rules, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) barred key public office-holders including the president and the prime minister from taking part in the election campaigns.

Also Read: ECP directs admin, police to stop PM’s rally in Lower Dir

The ECP revised the code of conduct for political parties and candidates in the light of the recent consultation with the political parties, says a statement issued by the commission’s media wing here. However, members of the parliament and the provincial assemblies have allowed to take part in electoral campaigns.