The Rules of Conduct for candidates and campaigning for the upcoming presidential election has come into force.
The rules, which were gazetted by the Election Commission, came into effect on Saturday. It outlines the code of conduct for candidates contesting in the election and their respective campaigns.
According to the rules, no remarks should be made in support of or against any presidential candidate or party on religious occasions or when delivering religious sermons. Additionally, teachers and educators are not allowed to seek or diminish support for a particular candidate or party through their lessons.
The rules stipulate that candidates' posters and campaign material must not be damaged or vandalized and that no other candidate can hold a meeting simultaneously at a location where another candidate is already having a meeting.
Furthermore, the rules emphasize that defaming individuals in order to win support for a candidate, as well as coercing or intimidating individuals, to vote for a particular candidate, are prohibited.
The rule also states that a candidate must not make any statements that are contrary to the principles of Islam or engage in actions that detract from the dignity of Islam when campaigning.
The presidential election has been slated for September 9, with a potential second round scheduled for September 30.
