ECP announces three year jail term for seeking votes on basis of religion, ethnicity

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that candidates who seek votes on the basis of religion and ethnicity will be sentenced to a three years in prison.

A statement issued by the ECP says prison terms would also be handed to candidates who use bribery as a means to gain votes. Three year jail terms will also be awarded for casting fake votes and stopping others from voting.

Transporting individuals to polling stations other than family members is also prohibited; candidates who violate this will also be awarded three year jail terms.

Presiding Officers have been given on the spot authority to take action against those in violation of these laws and on polling day police can make arrests with a warrant on the directives of the presiding officers.