Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has prepared amendments to further tighten the rules regarding the code of conduct for elections.
According to the documents, properties will be confiscated for violation of election code of conduct and non-payment of fines.
The commission has suggested important changes in the election rules.
According to the proposal, violators of the code could be arrested and their properties could be auctioned for non-payment of fines.
Violators of the code of conduct will be detained for 10 days without being sent to jail.
If they still do not pay the fine within 10 days, they will be jailed for one month under the proposed rule.
If the fine is not paid despite being sent to jail, their immovable properties can be confiscated and auctioned.
The proposed rule states that non-payment of fines will attract penalties under the Land Revenue Act, 1967.
The District Returning Officer will be able to impose penalties under section 80 of the Act.
The ECP had recently amended the election rules – making it mandatory for every polling agent to be a voter of the respective assembly constituency where the general seat election was being held.
For this purpose, the Election Authority had notified to insert an additional clause in Rule 58 of the Election Rules, 2017.
The rule states: “The number of polling agents appointed by each contesting candidate at a polling station under section 77 shall not exceed the number of booths set up at that polling station.”
The new clause inserted by the ECP after the existing one, reads: “Provided that the polling agent or agents appointed under section 77 shall be a voter of the constituency.”
Section 77 (1) of the Elections Act states that “A contesting candidate or his election agent may, before or during the commencement of polling, appoint as many polling agents as are appointed for each polling station.” and shall give notice in writing to them.The Presiding Officer is notifying the appointment.
Section 239 of the Elections Act empowers the ECP to make rules.
It reads: “(1) The Commission may, by notification in the Official Gazette and publication on the website of the Commission, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act. (2) The Commission under sub-section (1) shall subject the rules to prior publication and after hearing and deciding objections or suggestions filed within fifteen days of publication.
The commission also amended the affidavit required to be submitted by candidates for assembly or senate elections.
The amendment to Part D of the affidavit makes it mandatory for candidates to provide details of their spouse and dependent children.
These details include their name, date of birth, computerized national identity card number and relationship with the candidate.
