ECP gives political parties until May 25 to submit poll symbol applications

Aspiring PML-N lawmakers directed to share details of 'struggling for democracy'

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday gave political parties until May 25 to submit symbol applications in connection with the forthcoming general polls.

In a statement, the ECP directed political parties to submit applications with the following details:

Applied for symbols ranked in order of preference.

History of symbol(s) allocated.

Party head signature on every such application.

Party head office address.

According to the ECP, applications will be ascertained in light of Section 215 of the Election Act 2017. Incomplete applications faxed will not be entertained, the statement added. The commission also directed political parties that had submitted applications before the release of the statement to file fresh documents by the deadline.

Training centres for DROs, ROs inaugurated

Separately, the ECP on Tuesday commenced inaugurating training centres for DRO and ROs. Justice (retd) Irshad Qaiser of the commission inaugurated a training centre in Peshawar. Emphasising that all necessary arrangements had been completed for the purpose, she said reforms had been introduced in the Election Act 2017 to ensure transparency. Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Muhammad Raza will inaugurate training offices in Lahore on Wednesday [tomorrow].

PML-N invites nominations for general elections

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Tuesday invited candidates interested in contesting the forthcoming general elections  to submit applications. Party ticket aspirants will be required to undertake a pledge reaffirming trust in the leadership of the Sharif brothers. General MNA and MPA ticket nomination fees stand at Rs50,000 and Rs30,000 respectively. Those aspiring to contest from a particular NA constituency will have to pay Rs100,000. The fees for a particular MPA ticket nomination is Rs75,000. Aspiring lawmakers are also directed to share details of 'struggling for democracy'.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is still deliberating over the issuance of party tickets.