Summons for ECP official on by-polls code

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday expressed its surprise over the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) “code of conduct” for by-polls that bar the president, the prime minister, ministers and political parties’ heads from participating in campaigns of their candidates.

“How a political gathering can be called election campaign without the participation of political/party’s leaders,” the court posed a question while hearing petition of PTI MPA Mansoor Sarwar against the election code.

The petitioner stated that the restriction imposed by the ECP was in violation of fundamental rights.

A deputy attorney general told the court that the code of conduct was made with the consultation of political parties to keep the election process impartial and peaceful.

The court adjourned hearing till May 25 and summoned a senior official of the ECP.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2015

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