ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued guidelines to caretaker governments at the national and provincial levels to ensure the transparent and lawful conduct of elections. As the country enters an election period and the National Assembly and provincial assemblies stand dissolved, the ECP has outlined its constitutional duty to organize and execute elections fairly and in line with the law.
The guidelines emphasize the ECP’s role in preventing corrupt practices and ensuring just elections. Interim administrations are directed to support the ECP in conducting elections according to the law. Furthermore, the ECP directs interim governments to adhere to all orders as per Section 230 of the election law.
Notably, the ECP demands interim governments seek the commission’s prior written approval for any transfers or appointments of public officials under federal and provincial jurisdictions. Recruitment freezes are imposed, except when sanctioned by the ECP. They can also be conducted by federal and provincial public service commissions or government entities with already completed test/interview processes.
The ECP also mandates that interim administrations refrain from announcing or implementing new development projects, except for ongoing pre-approved projects. Tendering for such schemes is likewise prohibited until after the general elections, with prior ECP consent.
Regarding local government institutions and cantonment boards, all development funds for new schemes are frozen upon the announcement of the election schedule. This freeze remains in place until the election results are declared. Exceptions can be made for crucial projects with ECP referral.
Ensuring Fair Elections and Transparency
Interim governments are additionally mandated to terminate politically-appointed heads of institutions, pending ECP approval. They must also ensure that former political figures vacate government-provided residential facilities and return official vehicles.
The caretaker governments must avoid any attempts to influence elections or engage in actions that may impact fair elections. Caretaker administrations have the authority to make decisions regarding existing bilateral or multilateral agreements and ongoing projects. This is done under specific acts, such as the Public-Private Partnership Authority Act of 2017.
Caretaker prime ministers, chief ministers, ministers, and other members of the interim governments are obligated to submit asset and liability statements for their spouses and dependent children using Form-B. This process has to be done within three days of assuming office.
The ECP’s guidelines for interim governments aim to uphold the integrity of the election process and ensure transparency. They also seek to prevent undue influences that could compromise the fairness of the elections.
