ISLAMABAD: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (r) Hamid Ali Mirza has directed television channels to avoid influencing the public opinion, “in favour or against any political party or a candidate”.

A press release issued by the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday said, “No television channel shall broadcast anything that affects the public opinion in favour of, or against a particular political party or a candidate after the period, beyond which, a political party or a candidate under the law is not allowed to run an election campaign.”

“The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) shall ensure the compliance of aforesaid directive by each and every TV channel,” the CEC said. “In case of violation of this directive, appropriate prosecution shall be initiated against any such TV channel, in accordance with the provisions of law,” he added.

Meanwhile, EC Secretary Ishtiak Ahmad Khan said EC received complaints to the effect that despite the period of 48-hours beyond which a political campaign is not allowed, “some television channels relayed talk shows, etc., targeting a particular candidate”. He said this was practiced in the recently held by-elections. It has seriously impaired the fairness and impartiality of the electoral process, he added.

“Under the constitution it is the duty of EC to organise and conduct the election, and to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law, and that corrupt practices are guarded against,” the EC secretary said. He said this directive has been issued, in order to check the violation of law, and “to ensure a level playing field for all contesting an election”.
Source: Daily Times
Date:4/21/2010