No secret cell has been established in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to monitor the activities of political parties round-the-clock as the Commission has neither the manpower nor the capacity to engage in such activity, an official of ECP told Business Recorder.
However, the ECP has set up 'Departmental Verification Cells' which are similar to 'Departmental Verification Cells' established at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and National and Database Registration Authority (Nadra), it was learnt.
The Central Cell at the ECP and 'Departmental Verification Cells' would have online connectivity for speedy verification of data declared by the contesting candidates. The electronic linkage between the ECP and relevant Cells would ensure verification of the relevant data.
The ECP will provide online information to the relevant 'Departmental Verification Cells' to verify details given by contesting candidates on the nomination papers. The information will be electronically shared by relevant Cell. The verified data will be confirmed by the 'Departmental Verification Cell' to the ECP, electronically.
Commenting on media reports of the existence of a secret cell in ECP to monitor the political parties closely, the official stated that the report was based on a misunderstanding; and added that the ECP has mobilised teams in some constituencies to monitor the election campaigns of political parties.
In this regard, Secretary ECP Ishtiaq Ahmed had publicly said that the monitoring teams would be set up for the implementation of code of conduct during the election, the official said. Election experts noted that there is no need for the Commission to establish any secret cell as it has shifted the responsibility of verification of nomination papers to HEC, FBR, SBP, NAB and Nadra.
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