ECP unveils media code of conduct for general elections

No print, electronic or digital media shall run campaign of candidate and political parties at the cost of public exchequer.

In preparation for the upcoming General Elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released a comprehensive code of conduct for national media, emphasizing responsible and unbiased coverage.

According to the code, media content across print, electronic, and digital platforms should refrain from expressing opinions that are detrimental to Pakistan’s ideology, sovereignty, dignity, security, public order, or the integrity of national institutions, including the judiciary.

The code strictly prohibits the dissemination of allegations or statements that may jeopardize national solidarity or incite law and order issues. Furthermore, media coverage must avoid any aspect that could be construed as a personal attack on candidates or political parties based on gender, religion, sect, or baradari.

In a bid to safeguard freedom of expression, the code stipulates that the government and law enforcement agencies are obligated to provide adequate protection to media persons and outlets.

Importantly, the code of conduct prohibits any media outlet from running campaigns for candidates and political parties at the expense of public funds, ensuring a level playing field for all contestants.

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To promote civic engagement and voter education, journalists are encouraged to launch inclusive programs, particularly targeting marginalized groups such as women, transgender individuals, youth, minorities, and differently-abled persons. The objective is to maximize voter turnout and ensure the active participation of all segments of society in the electoral process.

The ECP’s proactive measures through this code of conduct aim to foster fair, responsible, and inclusive media coverage, contributing to the transparency and integrity of the democratic process in the upcoming elections.

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