The Election Commission on Wednesday completed the draft of the election code of conduct for political parties and candidates, debarring ministers and state ministers from availing themselves of state facilities once the election schedule is announced.
As per the draft code, the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader and ministers and state ministers cannot participate in political programmes availing of state facilities after the announcement of the election schedule.
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad made the announcement at his office after a meeting of the Commission.
“In today’s (Wednesday’s) meeting we discussed the election code of conduct and we made a draft code of conduct bringing some changes to the earlier one,” he said.
The CEC said the restrictions which were imposed during the by-polls will be applicable during the national election.
As the code of conduct was drafted apparently to hold the polls under a partisan government, Kazi Rakibuddin said the polls-time cabinet will only carry out routine works but it will not take any policy decision.
The draft code of conduct will be put on the Commission’s website on Thursday or Sunday for a week seeking opinions of people from all walks of life about it, he added. “Any political party, local and international organisation and individual can give their opinion on it.”
Asked about the election schedule, the CEC said it will be announced in time giving the political parties enough time for taking preparations for the polls.
Asked whether it is possible to hold the polls after January 24 if the two parties want it, he said, “If the two parties agree on it Alhamdulillah.”
Replying to a question what measures they will take if anyone violates the code of conduct, Rakibuddin said there is a provision for punishment in the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and it will be applicable for the Prime Minister, too.
Source: UNBConnect
