An extraordinary gazette notification containing the Code of Conduct for contesting political parties, independent groups and candidates of the elections has been published.

The Election Commission said the relevant Code of Conduct is issued in terms of Section 8(8) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981 as amended by the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 58 of 2009.

The Code is applicable to the period commencing from the date of notice of nomination and to the date of declaration of the result of any election.

The gazette read, “rules and regulations can do little in making the role of political parties more meaningful towards the advancement of the contemporary society, but the political parties have a greater responsibility in creating a conducive environment to conduct free and fair elections.”

Taking into account this responsibility, the Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates was issued by the then-Department of Elections for the first time with the Provincial Councils Elections held in 2012.

The secretaries of political parties, party representatives and representatives of observer organizations have agreed with this Code at the Committee for Investigation of Election Complaints at all elections held since 2012, it continued.

It should be noted that this revised Code issued by the Election Commission is applicable to those who hold a leading position such as leaders and secretaries, candidates, activists and supporters of all political parties contesting at elections, representatives of the Provincial Council and Local Authorities, all activists of the political parties, supporters of the candidates, independent group leaders and their candidates, the Election Commission said further.

Hence, all those who are engaged in the elections have been advised to adhere to this code of conduct.

In the meantime, a set of guidelines for media institutions have also been published in another extraordinary gazette notification.

The gazette has specified 36 points to be followed by media during election season.

Code of Conduct for Election Candidates - Election Commission by Ada Derana on Scribd

Media Guidelines for Election - Election Commission by Ada Derana on Scribd