The Lahore High Court Bar Association is gearing up for its annual elections, set to be held on February 28. This year, a total of 32,488 registered members will exercise their voting rights through a biometric system, aiming to enhance the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. The elections are particularly significant as they determine the leadership of one of the most influential legal bodies in the country.
In preparation for the elections, the Election Board Chairman, Lehrasib Gondal, has introduced a detailed and strict code of conduct to regulate the campaigning activities of the candidates. This code is designed to maintain decorum and fairness throughout the election period. A total of 18 candidates are contesting for four key positions, including the highly coveted office of the president of the Bar Association.
One of the most notable aspects of this year’s election campaign is the comprehensive ban on traditional promotional materials. Candidates are prohibited from using banners, flex boards, stickers, and any other printed advertisements. Instead, they are only permitted to distribute visiting cards without photographs to promote their candidacy. Furthermore, the display of any campaign material within the court premises or bar rooms is strictly forbidden, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to preserving the sanctity of the judicial environment.
Chairman Gondal has issued stern warnings that any candidate found violating these rules or engaging in celebratory firing after the announcement of results will face immediate disqualification and potential criminal proceedings. This zero-tolerance approach underscores the seriousness with which election officials are treating the enforcement of the code of conduct.
Deputy Chairman Haseebullah Khan emphasized that all available resources are being mobilized to guarantee a free, fair, and transparent election process. In addition to the restrictions on physical campaign materials, SMS-based campaigning has been banned to curb unsolicited mass messaging. However, candidates are still allowed to use WhatsApp for communication, reflecting a nuanced approach to digital campaigning. Public statements or press conferences aimed at criticizing opponents are also prohibited, aiming to reduce negative campaigning and maintain a professional atmosphere.
The code of conduct further restricts candidates from organizing any religious, political, or social gatherings, including dinners, rallies, or corner meetings during the campaign period. Each candidate is limited to being accompanied by no more than five lawyers during election-related activities, a measure intended to prevent large, potentially disruptive groups. Violations of these rules carry heavy penalties, with fines ranging from Rs200,000 to Rs600,000. Repeat offenders face even steeper fines up to Rs1.5 million or possible disqualification from the election.
Additionally, any supporter meetings held by candidates must adhere to strict guidelines, allowing only a single dish and one dessert to be served. Failure to comply with this rule could also result in disqualification. Candidates are permitted to set up election offices between February 25 and 27, but even then, only one flex or banner featuring a photograph is allowed at these locations. The formation of queues or gatherings to solicit votes within the High Court premises and bar areas is explicitly banned to maintain order and prevent undue pressure on voters.
Campaigning must cease 24 hours before polling begins, ensuring a calm and orderly environment on election day. The upcoming contest is expected to be highly competitive, especially for the presidency, where Raja Aamir of the Ahsan Bhoon Group and Babar Murtaza from the Hamid Khan Group are the frontrunners. Their rivalry is anticipated to draw significant attention from the legal community and observers alike, highlighting the importance of these elections for the future direction of the Lahore High Court Bar Association.
