Chief Election Commissioner, former Justice Hamid Ali Mirza has taken serious notice of the reports published in print media that some candidates taking part in bye-elections were allegedly announcing development projects in their respective constituencies in violating the Code of Conduct issued by the ECP for the political parties and candidates.
By-polls are being held in NA-123, NA-21 and NA-55 for National Assembly, PP-82, PP-284 for Punjab Assembly and PF-83 and PF-75 for NWFP provincial Assembly. ECP in a press statement said the chief election commissioner has observed that the candidates for bye-elections are expected to strictly follow the Code of Conduct and avoid violation thereof.
He warned that stern action will be initiated against violators of the Code of Conduct or against any other act of such candidates, which adversely affects the fairness and transparency of the bye-elections in any manner whatsoever in accordance with law.
The statement further said CEC has emphasised upon the political parties/candidates to follow the Code of Conduct in letter and in spirit and directed the Chief Secretaries of the provinces where bye-elections are being held to ensure implementation of rules.
He has asked the concerned chief secretaries that as election tempo is gaining momentum, they must check occurrence of any untoward incident/violence as well as any act that affects the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.-PR