GB chief election commissioner warns of disqualification over code violations

ISLAMABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan on Sunday said the electoral code of conduct was being enforced strictly ahead of the June 7 elections, warning that candidates could face disqualification for violations as political activity intensifies in the region.

Addressing a news conference, Khan said all political parties were breaching the code of conduct, which he said was clearly laid out under the Election Act. He stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders had not obtained the required no-objection certificates (NOCs) and had tried to circulate provocative content.

PTI leaders Asad Qaiser and Junaid Akbar have accused authorities of hindering their campaign activities and restricting their movement into the region. On Friday, Qaiser said he was stopped from reaching Islamabad airport and missed his flight to Skardu for electioneering. Separately, Akbar was detained by G-B police in Hunza while campaigning because he did not have an NOC, according to the election commissioner.

Khan rejected Akbar’s allegation and said police had not arrested any PTI member. He added that social media was being used to make the election controversial before polling day.

Speaking about possible action, the chief election commissioner said legal proceedings could also follow attempts to disrupt the process.

"Cases will also be registered under the Code of Criminal Procedure for obstructing the electoral process," he said and also issued a broader warning over continued breaches of the rules. "Enough is enough - I will now disqualify candidates for violations of the Code of Conduct."

Khan said the Election Commission was fully monitoring the electoral process and added that police from other provinces would also be brought in for election security.

Security arrangements and NOCs

It also emerged on Sunday that 6,000 Punjab police personnel are being deployed in G-B ahead of the elections. Punjab authorities had first approved the deployment of 5,000 personnel and later cleared the dispatch of another 1,000.

The chief election commissioner said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had obtained an NOC before his visit to G-B. He added that federal ministers who travelled to the region had also been issued NOCs, and said the prime minister and federal ministers were required to avoid political activity before securing permission.

Khan said action would be taken against anyone trying to undermine the credibility of the election. "Action will be taken against anyone attempting to tarnish or cast doubt on the elections."

Letter to court criticised

Following the allegations made by Qaiser and Akbar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi wrote to the chief justice of the Supreme Appellate Court of G-B, seeking immediate judicial intervention. He also said he would personally travel to G-B if the detained parliamentarians were not released soon.

Responding to that move, Khan said Afridi’s letter to the G-B chief justice was inappropriate and carried no legal weight. He further said the chief minister had tried to influence the electoral process.