Alvi for free, fair polls inclusive of all political parties

ECP, political parties to deliberate on election code of ethics tomorrow,

Election Commission  reserves ruling on plea for PTI chief’s removal from party chairman slot,

ISLAMABAD – President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday stressed giving opportunity to all political parties to run the upcoming general elections.

“Democracy becomes meaningless if people are not able to elect leaders of their choice”, he said. The president expressed these views while talking to the former federal minister and Senator, Muhammad Ali Durrani, who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

President Alvi said the upcoming general elections should be free, fair, transparent and inclusive. He emphasised that all political parties and their leadership should be given equal opportunities to participate in the election process to strengthen democracy in the country.

The president was of the view that there was a dire need for political, institutional and stakeholder unity in the country to battle the difficulties on all possible fronts, including that of economy.

“Bitterness must end and give way to cooperation and forgiveness”, he said. He stated that difficult decisions needed backing of the people and their participative ownership. He said the forthcoming general elections provided a good opportunity to create the vibrancy needed to rebuild our country.

The president also appreciated the statements given across the spectrum by all political leaders that there should be a level playing field as only this single issue of inclusivity was the essence of democracy.\

Earlier,

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and various political parties are set to meet at the ECP secretariat on Wednesday to discuss the draft code of conduct for the upcoming general elections.

According to an ECP official, the Election Commission had previously held an initial consultative session with political parties to deliberate on various election-related issues.

In preparation for the upcoming meeting, the ECP has provided political parties with an initial code of conduct. This draft is expected to be an essential component in the final preparations for the upcoming general elections.

The ECP has already distributed a preliminary code of conduct to political parties, and this draft is anticipated to play a crucial role in the final arrangements for the upcoming general elections.

The draft code of conduct highlights the significance of political parties, candidates, and election agents in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the people of Pakistan, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the law.

Furthermore, it cautions against engaging in actions or expressing views that might jeopardize Pakistan’s ideology, sovereignty, integrity, security, or the independence of its judiciary.

Additionally, the draft code imposes limitations on public officeholders, including the president and prime minister, preventing them from involvement in any capacity in election campaigns.

According to an ECP official, a copy of the draft Code of Conduct has been dispatched to political party leaders to allow them to offer their input during the consultation process. Additionally, the draft Code of Conduct can also be accessed on the Election Commission’s website at www.ecp.gov.pk.

While,

ECP has reserved its ruling on plea seeking removal of PTI chief from party’s chairmanship and withdrawing bat from the party as an election symbol for contesting polls.

A five-member commission of the top election body of the country heard the plea seeking removal of PTI chief from party chairmanship. Petitioner Khalid

Mehmood Khan’s counsel appeared before the commission.

During the proceedings, petitioner’s counsel said PTI chairman had been convicted in Toshakhana case. He said in case of Nawaz Sharif an order was issued by the Supreme Court.

Member Election Commission from Sindh asked what clauses Election Act had in this regard. The lawyer said Political Parties Act had a clause in this regard but Election Act was silent in that context.

As the commission inquired from the petitioner’s counsel what would happen if PTI chairman’s appeal was accepted, the lawyer said the PTI chief would take back his office.

The chief election commissioner inquired about the difference between PTI chief and Nawaz Sharif cases. The lawyer said elder Sharif was disqualified by the

Supreme Court whereas ruling against PTI chairman was given by the ECP and the trial court.  Later, the ECP reserved its judgement on petition to remove PTI chief from the party chairmanship.

The ECP also reserved its ruling on maintainability or non-maintainability of the petition.  Moreover, the electoral watchdog saved its ruling to be announced later on a petition seeking withdrawal of electoral symbol bat from the PTI.