The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released a preparatory advisory ahead of 2024’s general election. The advisory directs government employees, including officials, not to participate in politics.
The ECP orders that government officials are not allowed to participate in election activities. Those wanting to have to leave to go through their returning officers (ROs). District officers must obtain permission from district returning officers (DROs).
The advisory describes the steps for adopting leave. It specifies that officers under Grade 19 in government are entitled to have their leave authorized directly by DROs, and those of Officers from Grades 20 upwards must be approved by the commission first before they can go on leave.
Apart from guidelines concerning the procedures for inviting employees to participate, there were also instructions on election campaigning through banners and posters as well as handbills. As far as wall chalking of any size whatsoever, these are completely prohibited. The violation of these guidelines will be treated as an illegal practice, and legal action will immediately be taken against any model printing press that does not follow them.
The election commission also pointed out that no political party, candidate, or election agent should print the picture of a government official on any publicity material whatsoever.
Also included in the advisory are directives on sizes and various other aspects of investigating material, with a mention that failure to comply will result in administrative agreements.
In addition, the ECP announced that no person or political party may plaster up posters, handbills, or pamphlets. leaflets banners portraits and other campaign materials of size larger than those set by the commission.
Therefore, to protect the holiness of religious scriptures, it advised political organizations not to print Qur’anic verses sayings, or holy words from other religions onto publicity materials.
To hold a fair and compliant electoral process, the ECP is taking major steps. All concerned parties should pay attention to these guidelines for their implementation.
