While visiting a few prominent cities and towns, both, in Sindh and also in Punjab, I saw that Electoral Code of Conduct is being violated. Be it the holding of public events or the display billboards, placards or posters. It was expected that the parties and candidates would promote the Code of Conduct and publicize it during campaigning and promote and support efforts to educate the voters. It was also expected that all registered parties and candidates would comply with this Code of Conduct, they would instruct candidates, office bearers and agents and members and supporters it as well as comply with it.
It has been observed that most of the political parties and their candidates have been speaking and acting in a manner that could incites violence. A war of allegations and counter–allegations is going on. The political parties and their candidates are trying to remove, deface or destroy election material of the other groups.
Above all, the prevalent conditions do not appear conducive to free and fair elections because there is no climate of tolerance, free campaigning and open public debate. The Election Commission of Pakistan and the caretaker rulers should strive to enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct in letter and in spirit and put in practice all efforts to hold free, fair and transparent polls in the country, especially, in the rural and far flung areas of Pakistan, where our media does not venture. Being enlightened and responsible citizens of this country lets all publicly condemn any action that may undermine free and fair elections.
HASHIM ABRO,
Islamabad, April 26.