The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued an 80-point code of conduct for the 2024 general elections, covering various aspects of the electoral process. The key points are categorized under seven major headings:
General Conduct:
Parties, candidates, or agents should not act in a way prejudicial to the integrity and sovereignty of the country or defame the armed forces or judiciary.
No gifts or inducements should be used to prevent a candidate from contesting or withdrawing.
No formal or informal agreements should exclude any gender group from the voting process.
Parties should cooperate with law enforcement, ensuring no destruction of ballots.
Candidates should not enlist the help of any public official.
There should be no incitement to violence on or before polling day.
Campaign:
Political parties, candidates, and election agents must restrain their workers from influencing the media.
Certain high-ranking officials are prohibited from participating in the election campaign.
A complete ban on public meetings or processions 48 hours after polls end.
Publicity:
No political party shall run a publicity campaign at the cost of public funds.
Distribution of voter’s perchee at the polling station is allowed, but candidate and party names on the perchee are prohibited.
Strict guidelines on sizes for posters, handbills, banners, and portraits.
Prohibition on affixing posters on public places and using religious content on publicity materials.
Meetings/Processions:
Organizers must arrange for the smooth passage of processions to avoid traffic blockage.
Coordination required for overlapping processions by different parties.
Bans on effigies, vehicles/car rallies, and announcements of development schemes.
Polling Day:
Agents should display ID cards and cooperate with officials.
Complete ban on campaigning within a 400-meter radius of a polling station.
No interference in the official functioning of the polling station.
Strict control on entry without valid passes.
Additional:
General public expected to assist the Election Commission in implementing the code of conduct.
Bribery, personation, undue influence, and other violations can lead to legal action.
For Polling Agents:
Agents should not solicit votes in the vicinity of the polling station.
Agents can raise objections on voter eligibility.
Awareness of laws regarding assistance to voters.
No unnecessary accusations against the presiding officer.
The Election Commission emphasizes public cooperation, adherence to rules, and legal consequences for electoral misconduct.
