ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's election regulator on Friday issued a code of conduct for international observers and media for the upcoming elections in the South Asian country, which are expected to be held early next year.
The development comes weeks after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that it would conduct nationwide elections in the last week of January.
Polls were supposed to be held in the country in November, 90 days after the previous government dissolved assemblies in August. However, the election regulator said it needed more time to redraw constituencies following the results of a latest population census.
Issuing a code of conduct on Friday, the ECP asked international observers and media persons, who intended to visit Pakistan, to submit their visa applications well in time, mentioning that they would be allowed stay in the country beyond the visa duration.
"International observers and media persons shall adhere to the constitution and laws of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and respect the authority of the election commission and its election officials," the ECP said in a notification.
"International observers and media persons shall ensure that their observations and reporting is impartial, objective and depict the highest standards of accuracy."
The code of conduct requires observers and media persons to follow instructions and comply with the advisories issued by the ECP, government and security agencies.
"International observers and media persons at all times during the election process shall maintain strict political impartiality," it said. "They shall not exhibit any bias or preference with regard to political parties or candidates."
The regulator directed international media to refrain from conducting entrance and exit polls, or any kind of survey that could influence the voter choice.
"Observer organizations shall share their findings, methodology, recommendations and reports with the Election Commission of Pakistan," it added.
