ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released directives for individuals aiming to lodge nomination papers for participation in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.
These guidelines were issued a day ahead of the commencement of nomination paper submissions for both national and provincial assembly seats, scheduled to take place between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm until December 22.
As per the outlined procedures, candidates must be accompanied by two voters from the same constituency who will propose and second their nomination. However, each individual can only propose or second the candidacy of one person.
While contesting from multiple constituencies is permissible, a candidate can submit a maximum of five nomination papers for the same constituency as a safeguard against rejections.
Each nomination submitted by a candidate must be on a distinct form, endorsed by both the proposer and the seconder. Furthermore, submission of nomination papers without the prescribed fee of Rs30,000 for the National Assembly and Rs20,000 for the Provincial Assembly will not be accepted by the returning officer.
This fee can be paid in cash, through a bank draft in favor of the returning officer, or deposited in a designated National Bank of Pakistan account, with the receipt attached to the submission.
Supporting documents required include the candidate’s three-year income tax returns, bank transaction records up to December 8, and passport copies.
Candidates must be at least 25 years old by the December 22 deadline. Those applying for a National Assembly seat can be registered voters nationwide, whereas candidates vying for a provincial assembly seat must be registered in the respective province.
Additionally, individuals contesting for reserved seats for women in the National Assembly must be enrolled as voters in the concerned province.
Submission of an affidavit along with nomination papers and providing asset details of dependents, including family members, are obligatory for candidates.
