Both ISLAMABAD and LAHORE:
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered the National Assembly to halt all recruitment efforts as the date of the general elections approaches.
It was the ECP’s responsibility to maintain a fair and transparent election process, as stated in a letter sent to the NA secretary on Monday, in which the ECP instructed the secretariat to refrain from carrying out any recruitment.
In preparation for the 2018 general elections, the ECP has issued directives to the federal and provincial interim governments to provide a level playing field for all candidates and political groups.
Transfers and postings of public officers are prohibited in compliance with the Election Act of 2017 until after the scheduled elections in January 2024, as per the ECP’s notification.
In addition, the ECP has outlawed any and all types of recruitment by any level of government, including federal, provincial, and municipal agencies.
This prohibition is subject to the sole exception of receiving prior consent from the commission.
“Happy with Punjab government’s efforts to ensure free and fair elections.”
Meanwhile, the Punjab administration and the ECP met for a crucial meeting to finalize plans for the province’s impending general election.
Mohsin Naqvi, chief minister of Punjab, and Sikandar Sultan Raja, chief election commissioner, presided over the meeting, which took place at the Chief Minister House.
The conference, attended by members of the ECP from all four provinces as well as the Punjab cabinet, examined the arrangements made by the commission and the preparations conducted by the Punjab government for the general elections.
The precautions taken to ensure the election ran well were explained in great detail. The ECP and the caretaker administration of Punjab have both stated their intention to provide a trouble-free and fair election process.
The discussion resulted in the appointment of a single point of contact inside the interim Punjab administration to liaise with the ECP.
The CEC highlighted the need of joint effort in guaranteeing a fair and transparent election. He guaranteed the government of Punjab will receive the commission’s full backing in their efforts to hold fair elections.
He added that the process of delimiting constituency boundaries, which has been ongoing, will be finalized by November 30. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to holding open, fair elections.
The CEC was particularly pleased with the measures the Punjab government had done to level the playing field for all candidates.
