ECP Summons Hafiz Naeem for Election Code Violation

KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken a significant step in ensuring adherence to the election code of conduct by summoning Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan. This notice, issued on Tuesday, requires him to appear before the ECP on Wednesday, November 6, to address allegations of violating electoral guidelines.

The ECP's District Monitoring Officer, Muhammad Saleem Abbasi, highlighted that the notice specifically points to a ban on large gatherings and events in Gulberg Town, which is crucial ahead of the local government by-elections. The notice indicates that a gathering named 'Bano Qabil' took place on November 1 in Karachi's Gulberg locality, which the ECP considers a breach of the established electoral rules.

In light of the upcoming local government by-elections scheduled for November 14 across 26 districts in Sindh, the ECP has finalized a comprehensive plan to establish three-tier Election Monitoring and Control Centres (EMCC). These centres will be set up at provincial, divisional, and district levels to effectively address public complaints regarding candidates and the electoral process.

According to an ECP official, all EMCCs will be activated 24 hours prior to the elections and will remain operational until the final results are announced. The provincial election monitoring and control centre will oversee the electoral process continuously from the office of the provincial election commissioner. Meanwhile, the regional election monitoring and control centre will manage elections at the divisional level, ensuring transparency and fairness, with regional election commissioners at the helm.

At the district level, the EMCC will operate under the supervision of District Returning Officers, who will monitor and address any complaints that arise during the local government by-elections. This structured approach aims to foster a fair electoral environment, allowing citizens to participate in the democratic process without fear of misconduct.

As the local government by-elections draw near, the ECP's proactive measures reflect its commitment to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. It is essential for all political parties and candidates to respect the rules set forth, as these regulations are designed to ensure a level playing field for all participants. The actions taken by the ECP serve as a reminder that adherence to the election code is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental aspect of a healthy democracy.