Punjab By-Polls: Minister, SAPM Served Notices for Violating Election Code

A significant development has emerged in the run-up to the Punjab by-polls, scheduled for November 23, as Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Huzaifa Rehman have been served show-cause notices for allegedly violating the code of conduct under the Election Act 2017. According to Punjab Election Commissioner Sharifullah, the federal minister and the SAPM have been directed to submit their explanations by November 21.

The move comes as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) cracks down on code violations to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections. By-elections in six national and seven provincial assembly seats in Punjab are set to take place, with the campaign period officially concluding at midnight on November 21.

• Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and SAPM Huzaifa Rehman served show-cause notices for violating election code of conduct
• Violations allegedly occurred during election campaigns in NA-185 constituency and other areas
• ECP warns of swift action against code violations, with penalties including imprisonment and fines

Punjab Election Commissioner’s Statement

Punjab Election Commissioner Sharifullah stated that the federal minister and the SAPM were directed to submit their explanations by November 21. “No minister or advisor is allowed to run an election campaign,” the spokesperson said, warning that swift action will be taken against any code violations to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections.

Alleged Violations by Minister and SAPM

According to the Dera Ghazi Khan district monitoring officer, Leghari reportedly participated in the election campaign of PML-N candidate Mahmood Leghari in the NA-185 constituency. The monitoring officer said that, by taking part in the campaign as a federal minister, Leghari breached official instructions. Meanwhile, SAPM Rehman has been violating the election code of conduct, with intentions to participate in the election campaign of the PML-N candidate.

Consequences of Code Violations

The ECP has warned that candidates who continue engaging in political activities after the deadline will face legal consequences. Those who breach these regulations could be subject to penalties such as imprisonment for a maximum of two years, a fine of up to Rs100,000, or both. The ECP has also fined State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry Rs50,000 for breaching the ECP’s code of conduct.

Arrangements for By-Elections

Arrangements have almost been completed to hold the by-elections in six National and seven provincial assembly constituencies in Punjab, on November 23. The Watan News will provide updates on the election process and any further developments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Punjab by-polls have taken a significant turn with the serving of show-cause notices to Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and SAPM Huzaifa Rehman. The ECP’s crackdown on code violations aims to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections, and any further violations will be dealt with swiftly.

FAQs

Q1: What led to the serving of show-cause notices to the minister and SAPM?
A1: The minister and SAPM were served notices for allegedly violating the code of conduct under the Election Act 2017, specifically for participating in election campaigns despite being prohibited from doing so.

Q2: What are the consequences of violating the election code of conduct?
A2: Those who breach the regulations could be subject to penalties such as imprisonment for a maximum of two years, a fine of up to Rs100,000, or both.

Q3: What is the significance of the Punjab by-polls?
A3: The Punjab by-polls are significant as they will fill vacant seats in the national and provincial assemblies, and the election process is being closely monitored to ensure fairness and transparency.

Q4: Who is responsible for ensuring the fairness of the elections?
A4: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is responsible for ensuring the fairness and transparency of the elections, and has been taking steps to prevent code violations and ensure a free and fair election process.

Q5: What is the timeline for the by-elections?
A5: The by-elections in six National and seven provincial assembly constituencies in Punjab are scheduled to take place on November 23, with the campaign period officially concluding at midnight on November 21.

Q6: How can readers stay updated on the election process?
A6: Readers can stay updated on the election process and any further developments through the Watan News website, which will provide regular updates and news on the Punjab by-polls.