ECP issued a notification emphasizing the importance of a level playing field for all political parties.
In preparation for the upcoming general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that the final list of candidates will be publicly displayed on January 23 (Tuesday). Candidates will have until Monday, January 22, to withdraw their nomination papers, providing a crucial window for any reconsiderations.
The electoral watchdog is set to unveil the candidate list on January 20, with appellate tribunals addressing appeals until January 19. Appeals against Returning Officers’ (RO) decisions on special seats can be submitted until January 16, marking an important phase in the electoral process.
Notably, the ECP has revised the election schedule for special seats, extending the scrutiny of nomination papers for women and minorities’ candidates until January 13. This adjustment aims to ensure a comprehensive and thorough review of these nominations.
In a separate development, the ECP issued a notification emphasizing the importance of a level playing field for all political parties. Responding to a letter from a political party seeking fairness, the ECP directed the Punjab inspector general of police (IGP) and chief secretary to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates.
More From Daily The Destination: ECP changes election schedule
The directive explicitly states that no candidate, including those from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, should face deprivation in contesting the elections. The ECP has urged relevant authorities to address PTI’s complaints in accordance with the law, emphasizing the need for candidates to appear before returning officers independently.
As the electoral process gains momentum, these measures underscore the commitment of the ECP to a fair, transparent, and inclusive democratic exercise in the upcoming general elections.
