Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is taking proactive measures for the upcoming general elections by directing its provincial chiefs to seek the “concurrence and proposals” of the chief justices from the five high courts. This step is crucial for the appointment of appellate tribunals, as outlined in Section 63(1) of the Elections Act 2017.

In correspondence with the provincial election commissioners across all four provinces, the ECP has specifically requested the concurrence and proposals of the chief justices of the high courts of Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Sindh, and Balochistan. According to the Elections Act 2017, candidates or objectors can file appeals against the decisions of returning officers regarding the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers. The appellate tribunals, responsible for these appeals, are constituted for each constituency and include a high court judge appointed by the commission in consultation with the relevant chief justice.

The election schedule issued by the ECP for the general polls outlines key dates, including the public notice on December 19, filing of nomination papers from December 20 to 22, publication of nominated candidates’ names on December 23, and scrutiny of nomination papers from December 24 to 30. The timeline continues with the filing of appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers on January 3, the decision of appeals by the appellate tribunals on January 10, publication of the revised list of candidates on January 11, withdrawal of candidatures and the final list of candidates on January 12, allotment of election symbols on January 13, and the polling date set for February 8.

The ECP’s proactive approach ensures a systematic and transparent process leading up to the general elections, promoting fairness and accountability in the electoral system.