The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) sought a two-day extension on Thursday for filing of nomination papers for the upcoming February, 2024 elections.
In a letter written to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Senator Ishaq Dar, also chairman of the party's election cell, maintained that it is "requested that to facilitate thousands of candidates desirous of taking part in elections, it would be appreciated if only a two-day extension is granted in filing nomination papers by amending the schedule issued on December 15, 2023, without changing the polling day, i.e., February 8, 2024”.
“That perusal of the schedule reveals that only 03 days have been allocated for filing nomination papers, whereas 07 days have been allocated for the scrutiny of the same," the letter stated.
For facilitation of candidates for General Elections 2024! pic.twitter.com/O1oiE1Dx4K
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) December 21, 2023
According to the schedule issued by the electoral watchdog, aspiring candidates are required to file nomination papers from December 20 to 22, 2023, with scrutiny dates fixed from December 24 to 30, 2023.
Read Candidates flock to get nominations
As per the ECP's schedule, the commencement of the process is scheduled to follow the swearing-in of district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) by the electoral body in accordance with the Elections Act 2017.
Aspirants eyeing participation in the elections have the opportunity to file their nomination papers, marking the initial phase in the run-up to the highly anticipated polls.
The ECP has laid out the guidelines for the submission of these crucial nomination papers. For those eyeing a seat in the National Assembly, the fee stands at Rs30,000, while for a provincial assembly, it is Rs20,000.
Potential candidates are allowed to submit a maximum of five nomination papers. The submission period spans from December 20 to 22, with nominations accepted at the respective returning officer's office.
Similarly, eligibility criteria have been set by the ECP, requiring candidates to be Pakistani citizens, aged 25 or above at the time of submission. Furthermore, NA candidates can hail from any part of Pakistan, whereas provincial assembly hopefuls must belong to the concerned province.
Read the full story at the express tribune website.
