No new development projects can be inaugurated, not even by the prime minister, until the results of the 11th Parliamentary Elections are announced, says the Election Commission.

Briefing the media on Wednesday (Nov 21), its Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed said that the ministries have been instructed not to disburse funds for any new projects.

“There’s no bar on releasing funds for ongoing projects, but no new projects can be initiated or approved. Laying foundations stones for projects, even by the prime minister, are prohibited. It will be treated as violation of the code,” he said.

The electoral code of conduct stipulates that holders of the office of the profit to State and VVIPs, including the prime minister, cabinet members, MPs cannot inaugurate development projects or make any kind of donations after the polls schedule are announced.

The Commission, however, said there’s no bar on continuing development projects which have been initiated earlier.

“Any development activities, VGD and VGF card distribution (vulnerable group development and vulnerable group feeding — social safety net schemes by the govt), donations cannot not be made ahead of the polls,” said EC Secretary Ahmed.

Asked whether previously adopted projects can be inaugurated, he said, “Any kind of foundation stone laying is prohibited as well as donations to mosques and temples.”