Cabinet Division directs ministries to enforce EC ban on campaigning for ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in referendum
Earlier, the Election Commission instructed government officials and employees to refrain from taking part in any form of campaigning in support of either “Yes” or “No” vote in the referendum.
The Cabinet Division has instructed all ministries to take immediate action to enforce the Election Commission's (EC) directive barring government officials and employees from campaigning in favour of either "Yes" or "No" vote in the upcoming referendum.
A senior official of the Cabinet Division, holding the rank of additional secretary, told The Business Standard on condition of anonymity that the EC's letter prohibiting referendum campaigning has been forwarded to all ministries, with instructions to ensure effective implementation.
Meanwhile, when asked about the EC's directive on referendum campaigning, Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid told TBS today (30 January) that the Election Commission's instructions would be fully implemented.
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"All government officials and employees at every level will be informed of the EC's directive regarding campaigning for or against the referendum," he said. "Many have already learned about it through the media. Now it will be communicated officially."
Earlier, the Election Commission instructed government officials and employees to refrain from taking part in any form of campaigning in support of either "Yes" or "No" vote in the referendum.
In a directive issued yesterday (29 January), the EC Secretariat said that under Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025, and Article 86 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, any person employed in the service of the republic may disseminate information or raise public awareness about the referendum.
However, the directive made it clear that no government official or employee may, in any way, urge voters to cast their votes in favour of either option. The EC warned that such activities could influence the outcome of the referendum and would be treated as a punishable offence under the relevant laws.
The commission further requested all concerned authorities to take necessary measures in accordance with the Referendum Ordinance, 2025, and the RPO, 1972.
