Islamabad, 14 December, 2023 (GNP): On Sunday, December 17, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is slated to reveal the timetable for the forthcoming general elections.
The scheduled date for the general election is February 8 of the following year, with the acceptance of nomination papers commencing on the day following the announcement of the schedule.
According to sources it was disclosed to a media outlet on Wednesday that the commission has opted for a 54-day timeline for the entire process, concluding on February 8, when voting for both the National and provincial assemblies will take place.
Upon the declaration of the election schedule, the entire administration within federal and provincial governments will be obligated to support the commission in orchestrating the polls.
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According to Article 220 of the Constitution, titled “Executive authorities to assist Commission, etc.,” it mandates that all executive authorities in the Federation and provinces must aid the Commissioner and the Election Commission in fulfilling their functions.
The commission is currently imparting training to 142 district returning officers and 859 returning officers.
According to ECP sources, the Election Commission of Pakistan is thoroughly equipped to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections across the country, leaving no room for doubt regarding the conduction of polls on the specified date.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has implemented a ban on transfers and postings of deputy commissioners nationwide, with the Establishment Division duly notified, as per sources.
Simultaneously, the ECP has reminded members of parliament and provincial assemblies in Sindh and Balochistan to submit their annual statements of assets and liabilities, including those of their spouses and dependent children, by December 31, 2023. This complies with the mandatory provision under Section 137 of the Elections Act, 2017, for the financial years 2022-2023, using B-Form.
