• Scrutiny of paperwork to continue till 30th; rules bar returning officers from asking ‘irrelevant’ questions
• ROs bound to give candidates, representatives ‘reasonable’ opportunity to examine all nomination papers
Around 28,626 candidates have submitted nominations for 1,085 general and reserved seats in the upcoming Pakistani elections on February 8. In the National Assembly, 7,713 candidates, including 471 women, are vying for 266 general seats. In Punjab, 3,871 candidates, including 277 women, filed for 141 NA seats, while in Sindh, 1,681 candidates, including 110 women, submitted nominations for 61 NA seats. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1,322 candidates, including 39 women, are competing for 45 general seats, and in Balochistan, 631 nominees, including 12 women, filed for 16 NA seats. In the federal capital, 208 candidates, including 26 women, submitted nominations for three National Assembly seats. Additionally, 459 candidates filed nominations for 60 reserved seats for women, and 150 nominations, including 10 women, were submitted for 10 reserved seats for non-Muslims in the National Assembly. In the provincial assemblies, 18,546 candidates, including 802 women, filed nominations for 593 general seats. In Punjab Assembly, 9,029 candidates, including 437 women, filed for 297 general seats; in Sindh Assembly, 4,265 candidates, including 205 women, filed for 130 general seats; in KP Assembly, 3,464 candidates, including 115 women, filed for 115 general seats; and in Balochistan Assembly, 1,788 candidates, including 45 women, filed for 45 general seats. Additionally, 1,366 candidates filed nominations for 132 reserved seats for women in provincial legislatures.
Scrutiny underway
The scrutiny phase for nomination papers began on Monday and will continue until Dec 30. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has established an online facilitation center to assist returning officers in screening out ineligible candidates. The center, supported by Nadra, NAB, FIA, FBR, and SBP, will operate 24/7. Data from returning officers will be sent to these institutions for necessary action. Defaulting candidates can address concerns with the returning officer from Dec 25 to 30. The ECP emphasizes the recovery of dues from defaulters and urges government institutions to contact returning officers promptly. The Elections Act prohibits returning officers from asking irrelevant questions during the scrutiny process.
