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ECP limits Zardari’s political role **
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has restricted President Asif Ali Zardari from being a part of the election campaign of any of the political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which he represents as its co-chairperson.
The ECP move comes after the Supreme Court in a similar action made the first significant move to demonstrate its neutrality and independence.
In an Election Code of Conduct order issued on Friday, the ECP, headed by Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim, has added the office of the president to the list of other public officeholders in the latest Election Code, ensuring that like others he too remains impartial during elections.
In its previous Election Code issued by the ECP on April 12, 2012, the office of the president was not mentioned in the list of other public office holders, who were restricted from influencing the elections in any manner. However, the Friday’s Election Code of Conduct names the president on top of the list.
Rull Report
It’s a good move in line with the directives of the Constitution that the office of the president is apolitical. But it is to be seen how will Zardari react to the ECP’s code of conduct. If he does not campaign for his party, he will need to depute his children to take charge of the election drive.
