The Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) on Friday issued a warning to the 11 Presidential candidates about the use of government resources and facilities during their campaigns.
Chairman of the ECC, Nadir Mohseni, reaffirmed that any candidate found in violation of the election law or election procedures laid out by the Commission would face legal action.
"Its natural, if we see that a candidate uses government facilities or a government official misuses his position to work in support of a candidate, the ECC will take legal action against them," Mohseni said.
The ECC emphasized that it and other election monitoring groups would be keeping a close eye on the campaigns, which began on Sunday and are expected to last until April 2.
Neutrality of government officials is one of the top concerns heading into the vote, after the 2009 Presidential elections saw widespread and well-documented interference of local government and security personnel. The Ministries of Defense and Interior this year have urged police and soldiers not to meddle in the election
"We emphasize that the election environment should be a healthy one and election activities should be undertaken on the basis of the law and in line with the national interest in order to conduct a transparent and nationwide election," Mohseni said.
The ECC earlier this week raised issue with the financial disclosures of the Presidential candidates after three of them failed to submit their information to election officials. The three candidates were not named, but the ECC said they could possible be disqualified if they do comply with the financial transparency requirements of the campaigning process.