• ROs reject 12.5pc of 25,951 nomination papers
• Fafen asks ECP to be transparent with rejection decisions
Around 12.5% of nomination papers for the Feb 8 elections in Pakistan were rejected by Returning Officers (ROs) across the country. Out of 25,951 papers filed for 859 general seats, 3,240 (12.49%) were rejected. For National Assembly (NA) seats, 13.70% of 7,473 nomination papers were rejected. The federal capital had the highest rejection rate at 45%, while Balochistan topped among provinces with a rejection rate of 14.58%. Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh had rejection rates of 14.39%, 11.42%, and 9.88%, respectively. Appeals can be filed until Jan 3, potentially altering the candidate field.
Provincial assemblies
For the 593 seats across four provincial assemblies in Pakistan, 18,478 candidates submitted nominations, with 2,216 (11.99%) rejections after scrutiny. Balochistan had the highest rejection rate for provincial assembly nominations at 21.59%, with 386 out of 1,788 papers rejected. Sindh, KP, and Punjab had rejection rates of 12.11% (520 out of 4,294), 10.60% (367 out of 3,461), and 10.55% (943 out of 8,935), respectively. After scrutiny, 22,711 candidates remain in the running, including 6,449 for the National Assembly and 16,262 for provincial assemblies. Valid nominations include 15,590 males and 672 females, with a total of 21,684 male candidates (6,094 for NA) and 1,027 female candidates (355 for NA and 672 for provincial assemblies).
Around 12.5% of nomination papers for the Feb 8 elections in Pakistan were rejected by Returning Officers (ROs) across the country. Out of 25,951 papers filed for 859 general seats, 3,240 (12.49%) were rejected. For National Assembly (NA) seats, 13.70% of 7,473 nomination papers were rejected. The federal capital had the highest rejection rate at 45%, while Balochistan topped among provinces with a rejection rate of 14.58%. Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh had rejection rates of 14.39%, 11.42%, and 9.88%, respectively. Appeals can be filed until Jan 3, potentially altering the candidate field.
Provincial assemblies
For the 593 seats across four provincial assemblies in Pakistan, 18,478 candidates submitted nominations, with 2,216 (11.99%) rejections after scrutiny. Balochistan had the highest rejection rate for provincial assembly nominations at 21.59%, with 386 out of 1,788 papers rejected. Sindh, KP, and Punjab had rejection rates of 12.11% (520 out of 4,294), 10.60% (367 out of 3,461), and 10.55% (943 out of 8,935), respectively. After scrutiny, 22,711 candidates remain in the running, including 6,449 for the National Assembly and 16,262 for provincial assemblies. Valid nominations include 15,590 males and 672 females, with a total of 21,684 male candidates (6,094 for NA) and 1,027 female candidates (355 for NA and 672 for provincial assemblies).
Appellate tribunals
Under the law, those declared invalid for Feb 8 elections have the option to move the appellate tribunals appointed in the federal capital and the four provinces for the possible relief.
The ratio of rejection is slightly higher than the 2018 general elections, but lower than the 2013 polls. In 2018 and 2013, 10.4pc and 14.6pc of nomination papers were rejected during the scrutiny process, respectively.
Though details of the nominations accepted and rejected in 2018 is not available on the ECP’s website, a report about the 2013 elections shows that Sindh was on top in terms of the ratio of rejected nominations, both for the national and provincial assembly seats, coming to 19.33pc and 20.47pc, respectively.
Fafen’s call
Fafen urges the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to publish Returning Officers’ (ROs) decisions on objections and rejections of nomination papers, citing Section 62(11) of the Elections Act, 2017. Although the Act lacks specific provisions for publication, Fafen believes Section 4(3) grants the ECP broad authority to ensure transparent, honest, and fair elections. Sharing ROs’ decisions would enhance citizen understanding, promote informed opinions, and counter misinformation. Section 62(9) outlines grounds for rejection, emphasizing substantial defects and allowing remediation of non-substantial ones. The ECP should ensure strict compliance and may use Section 55 powers for non-compliance consequences. Section 8(e) permits the ECP to review orders under the Act.