The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday directed that government employees are not allowed to campaign in favour of either 'Yes' or 'No' in the upcoming referendum.
"Any person employed in the service of the Republic may inform and raise awareness about the referendum, but they are strictly prohibited from urging people to vote either in favour of 'Yes' or 'No'," the EC said in a letter issued to all Returning Officers across the country.
The commission warned that any action intended to influence the outcome of the referendum would be considered a punishable offence under Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025, and Section 86 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. Returning officers have been instructed to take necessary measures to enforce these rules.
The announcement comes ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, scheduled for February 12, which will be held simultaneously with the referendum on constitutional amendments.
The government has already launched a broad campaign in favour of a 'Yes' vote, involving advisers and officials from various government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions. The EC's instructions aim to prevent the misuse of public office for influencing the referendum outcome.
Under the Representation of the People Order, any public servant using their official position to influence an election or referendum may face imprisonment for one to five years and fines.
The EC has for the first time prohibited the use of posters in election campaigns ahead of the parliamentary polls. All printing presses nationwide have been instructed not to produce election posters.
