Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued a code of conduct for domestic and foreign media and commentators in connection with the upcoming elections.
A 31-point code of conduct has been issued for foreign media and observers, which states that international media and observers must submit their visa application on time and cannot stay in Pakistan beyond the visa period. Will respect Pakistan’s sovereignty, freedom of individuals, fundamental rights, constitution and law, election commission and election officials.
According to the Code of Conduct, international media and observers shall ensure that their observation and reporting is impartial, objective and accurate. Will follow the instructions of the Election Commission and State authorities, follow the advice given by the government and security agencies for their own safety. Will respect the culture of the country. The election process will be neutral, showing no bias or preference for any political party or candidate.
International media and observers shall not obstruct any process before, during or after the election. International media and observers will select the area for observation and reporting in consultation with the Election Commission for their own security. Can observe and report on every aspect of election management and conduct without interfering with the election process. Shall not interfere with the internal process at any polling station.
According to Election Commission, international media and observers shall not have personal or professional relationship with any individual or organization to avoid conflict of interest. No gift or benefit will be accepted from any political party, institution or individual involved in the election process. Will not wear the symbol or color of any political party. Observers and media will not give personal statements about their observations and results on the election process.
International media and observers shall not participate in any activity that may give the impression of favoring or opposing a political party or candidate. Their content should not reflect that threatens the peace and security of the country, hatred or violence against any individual or group. Will not include any aspect that is considered a personal attack on any political candidate, gender, religion, sect, community. Nothing shall be broadcast which may influence public opinion regarding a political party or candidate.
According to the code of conduct, polls, polling stations and constituencies should be avoided before and after polling, which may affect the voter. Only the official result issued by the Election Commission or the Returning Officer will be broadcast. The observers will give their suggestions, reports, results to the Election Commission. Government and law enforcement agencies will provide security to international media and observers.
Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in the withdrawal of permits for international media and observers. The Election Commission has included digital media and social media influencers along with print and electronic media in the international media.
17-point code of conduct for national media
National media includes print, electronic, digital media and social media influencers. During the election campaign, the national media shall not reflect biased opinions against Pakistan’s ideals, sovereignty, security, independence and integrity of the judiciary and other national institutions. Such statements or accusations that threaten national unity, law and order situation will not be aired.
No content will be included which is a personal attack on any candidate, political party on the basis of gender, religion, community, legal action will be taken for violation. Allegations of one candidate against the other shall be stated and confirmed by both parties. PEMRA, PTA, PID, Cyber Digital Wing of Ministry of Information will monitor the coverage given to political parties and candidates.
PEMRA, PTA, PID, Cyber Digital Wing of Ministry of Information will assist the Election Commission to implement the code of conduct. Government and law enforcement agencies will provide security to media representatives and houses. No campaign of any political party or candidate shall be carried out from the national exchequer. Voter awareness programs will be conducted. The election media campaign will be terminated 48 hours before the election day.
Election process will not be obstructed. Entrance-exit polls, polling station or polling in the constituency which affects the voter will be avoided. Only accredited media representatives will enter the polling station once with a camera to video the polling process. Secret ballots will not be videotaped. Media representatives will observe the counting without cameras.
Media representatives shall not interfere before, during or after the election. The result will not be broadcast until one hour after the end of polling. While publishing the results, it will be mentioned that these are unofficial, incomplete results, which should not be considered final until declared by the RO. The accreditation of a journalist or media organization can be terminated for violating the code of conduct.
Code of Conduct for National Observers
National observers shall respect the sovereignty of the country and the fundamental rights of individuals. The culture and traditions of the country will be respected. Will respect the law and respect the authority of the Election Commission. They will show impartiality during the election process. Will not express bias or preferences for any political party, candidate, or local authority.
Observers shall not participate in or conduct any activity, which may give the impression of support or opposition to any candidate or party. Observers will have the right to ask questions or seek clarification without obstructing the election process. National observers will ensure that their observations are accurate and impartial. Observers will not give personal opinion regarding their observation or result to the media. The observers will give their findings and recommendations to the Election Commission. Violation may result in cancellation of accreditation.
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