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The time to submit papers to run in the February 8 election in Pakistan is over. This deadline, set by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), closed at 4:30 pm today, marking an important step in the election process.
With just a bit over a month left until the polls, the Election Commission is in full election mode. On December 15, the commission released the election schedule, clearing up uncertainties about the upcoming election.
Originally, the deadline to submit papers for national and provincial assembly seats was from December 20 until 4:30 pm on Friday, according to the first schedule. However, the ECP extended this deadline to today, responding to requests from political parties and to make the candidacy process smoother, as stated in a formal announcement.
The ECP stressed that political parties must give lists of preferred seats to returning officers within a certain time. Returning officers will review the papers from December 25 to December 30, following the schedule released on December 15.
As per the ECP’s plan, the last day to appeal decisions made by the returning officers is January 3. The appellate tribunal is expected to decide on these appeals by January 10. The new list of candidates will be out on January 11, and candidates can withdraw until January 12. Political parties will get their election symbols on January 13, and the polls are set for February 8.
Read Also: ECP Assures PTI: Addressing PTI Concerns for a Level Playing Field in Upcoming Elections
In another update from Radio Pakistan, the ECP decided to prioritize the election schedule over complaints about delimitation, following the Supreme Court’s advice to avoid disruptions.
Candidates from different political parties, like PTI, PML-N, and PPP, have submitted their papers. Well-known figures such as Hammad Azhar, Murad Saeed, Nawaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Shehbaz Sharif, Aleem Khan, Maryam Nawaz, and others are taking part in the process for various constituencies.”