ECP approves papers of 35 nominees

On the first day of scrutinising the papers of candidates for the nine National Assembly seats in Karachi, the Election Commission of Pakistan approved papers of 35 candidates. They included PTI’s Ali Zaidi and PPP’s Shehla Raza. The forms of two independent candidates were rejected.

A total 189 candidates have submitted their nomination papers from different parties and as independents for the National Assembly seats which fell vacant due to resignations of PTI MNAs.

The by-polls will be held on NA 242 East I, NA 243 East II, NA 243 East III, NA 247 South II, NA 250 West III, NA 252 West V, NA 254 Central II and NA 256 Central IV.

Others whose forms have been approved include PPP’s Aman Khan Mehsud, MQM’s Hasan Sabir and Taha Ahmed, and TLP’s Mohammad Shoaib.

According to the schedule, the scrutiny of nomination papers will continue till February 13. Objections against acceptance or rejection of nominations can be submitted till February 16. The deadline for decisions on these objections will be February 20. The revised list of candidates will be released on February 21. Candidates can withdraw till February 22 and election symbols will be allotted on February 23 while polling will be held on March 16.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2023.