The Election Commission (EC) is txpected to finalise shortly the code of conduct for the candidates contesting the upcoming elections to the four city corporations, official sources said.

The EC officials are now working to give a final shape to the 12-point code of conduct by incorporating tn it the suggestions made by the major political parties and the task is likely to be completed within a couple of days.

“With the finalisation of the < ixle. the commission will circu-

late tlie same through the mass media and publish booklets for distribution among all concerned," the Chief Election Commissioner Justice Abdur R6uf told The Daily Star last night.

Earlier on Tuesday, the EC distributed copies of the draft code among the political parties, having representation in Parliament and sought the par ties' views on the draft by Thursday.

Justice Rouf confirmed that he had received the views of the Awami League, the Jamaat-e-Islaml and the Workers Party by the Thursday deadline and said Works Minister Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mia of the BNP told him the same day‘that the BNP would also send fta sug gestions. , \

■Well Incorporate in the 12-point code, the common suggestions made by the parties, lie said adding, wefl also receive the suggestions of other parties if sent within a day or two."

The draft code of conduct provides for prohibitions on donating or committing to donate In the name of any individual candidate or organisation dur ini? the election campaign, delivering provocative and inde cent speeches, statements and comments against the rivals, arranging transport to carry the voters, disturbing campaign programmes of the rivals and forcing voters to cast votes In one's favour.

The draft code also calls for respecting the democratic rights of others, cooperating with the persons conducting the election and with the law-enforcing agency personnel, abiding by all election rules and making united efforts to ensure peaceful electioneering and polling.

The draft code has been framed in the light of the EC's earlier suggestions aimed at holding the city corporation polls peacefully and fairly.

The Chief Election Commissioner Justice Abdur Rouf placed the 31-point suggestion at a joint meeting of the major political parties, including the ruling BNP and the opposition Awami League. Jatlya Party. Jamaat-e Islam! and others on December 26.

The political parties agreed on almost all the proposals while the proposal to form a steering committee with repre-sentatlofi of ail the parties to assist the Election Commission in holding the elections smoothly was not accepted unanimously.