Independent candidates will not be allowed to run for any seat in the upcoming local body polls under the terms of the new local government system in the Rawalpindi district. Candidates must be part of an entire panel competing in the UC polls to be eligible for polling.
The Rawalpindi district election commission issued the rules as well as the schedule for polling across 206 UCs in four districts.
The posts include that of the UC chairman, vice chairman, general councillor, labour councillor and youth councillor.
In order for an independent candidate to compete in the LG polls, they would have to field candidates for the six posts. These panels would be referred to as independent group panels in each UC. There could be more than one independent panel.
While political parties are expected to field complete panels, this condition doesn’t apply to them and is only for independent candidates.
The district election commission has also issued notices and schedules for the registration of candidates who wish to run as independent candidates after forming an independent panel.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2023.
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