[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued guidelines on accreditation for election observation and media coverage in preparation for the upcoming general elections on February 8.
Addressing the returning officers overseeing election proceedings, the ECP has provided specific instructions for comprehensive election coverage. The guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for obtaining accreditation cards primarily target domestic observers and media personnel.
A formal letter outlining these instructions has been sent to all returning officers nationwide. According to the statement, representatives from media outlets, local NGOs, and civil society are eligible to apply for accreditation cards, facilitating their coverage during the electoral process.
Read more : ECP Issues Nomination Paper Guidelines for General Elections 2024
The ECP is committed to ensuring maximum facilitation for both observation activities and media coverage throughout the election period.
It is crucial to note that preparations for the general elections, scheduled for February 8, 2024, are underway, with the submission of nomination papers by all candidates and the ongoing scrutiny process.
In October, the ECP had urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to take essential measures to invite international observers to monitor the transparency of the upcoming general elections. This decision was prompted by the European Union’s announcement that it would not send an election observer mission to Pakistan for the parliamentary polls.
Subsequently, the electoral watchdog released a 17-point code of conduct for national media, outlining guidelines for print, electronic, digital media, and social media influencers to adhere to during the campaign and polling.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
