Summary The verdict came on a petition filed against the Code of Conduct for Media issued by the ECP.
Lahore (Dunya News) - Lahore High Court on Saturday has conditionally allowed media to announce results of local bodies’ elections.
The court ordered that media can announce unofficial results after one hour of end of polling without creating sensation.
LHC also directed that the TV anchorpersons should mention in their statement that the results are unofficial and inconclusive and are not final.
The verdict came on a petition filed against the Code of Conduct for Media issued by the ECP.
The statement of Code of Conduct for Media says that neither any radio of television channel shall broadcast or telecast nor any print media shall publish anything that adversely affects the public opinion against a particular party or candidate.
The print and electronic media have been asked to refrain from disseminating information about any political party or candidate which is not supported by cogent evidence.
“Due care shall also be exercised by them (print/electronic media) to ascertain veracity of any information or news relating to a candidate before its telecasting, broadcasting or publish,” the commission said.
The print and electronic media have been directed to show authentic election results officially issued by the presiding officer, returning officer of the election commission.
The directives were issued by the ECP in exercise of its powers under Article 218 (3) and Punjab Local Governments (Conduct of Elections) Rules, 2013 and other power enabling it in that behalf.
Polling in the first phase of local government elections is underway in Punjab and Sindh.
