Code of conduct issued for election duty: ECP tells security personnel not to interfere in counting process

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued the code of conduct for security personnel deployed for election duty on Friday.

The code aims to ensure foolproof security during polls and advises personnel not to interfere in the counting process, maintaining a peaceful environment outside polling stations.

The code states, “...security personnel shall ensure a peaceful environment outside the polling stations for the completion of the counting process unless malpractice in the counting process has been identified. In that case, he shall inform his officer in charge through the fastest means available, who will inform the returning officer.”

This code is issued in pursuance of Article 220 of the Constitution, read with Section 5 and Section 233 of the Elections Act, 2017. The ECP notification mentions that a separate code is being issued for the Armed Forces and Civil Armed Forces deputed on election duty for the general elections in 2024.

According to the code, security personnel must perform their duties within the confines of the law and the mandate assigned to the police or other security personnel to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan in conducting free, fair, transparent and peaceful general elections.

The duties of security personnel outside all polling stations include ensuring a secure environment for maintaining law and order during various stages of the election process, such as the printing of ballot papers, transportation of election material and tabulation and announcement of provisional results by returning officers.

The code emphasises that security officials must remain impartial and neutral and refrain from acting in favour of or against any political party or candidate. They are expected to render their fullest cooperation to the presiding officer and ensure uninterrupted voting at the polling stations. The code highlights the importance of displaying politeness, immaculate behaviour and impartiality when dealing with voters and polling staff.

Security officials must ensure that voters are not intimidated or prevented from voting and should conduct frisking and checking of voters to prevent the entry of weapons, explosives or undesirable items into polling stations. Special attention should be given to the elderly, transgender, pregnant women, women with infants, and voters with disabilities.

The code instructs security personnel to concentrate exclusively on ensuring a peaceful and transparent polling process, following the directions of presiding officer. It also outlines the procedures for polling agents and their access to relevant forms during the counting process.

Furthermore, security personnel are required to provide security to the premises of the office of returning officers until the completion of consolidation of results and ensure the safe deposit of polling bags and other materials at the ECP. The code concludes by urging security personnel to abide by all election laws and relevant regulations, aiming to gain the general public’s trust by ensuring a safe environment and maintaining law and order during the election process. They are also reminded that district returning officers and returning officers may visit polling stations at any time and must allow accredited observers and media persons to enter polling stations, with media persons permitted to use cameras except in screen-off compartments to maintain the secrecy of the ballot.