Nomination process under way in capital
Candidates submitting their nomination papers for Khyber-Assembly seat PK-8, Peshawar-VII at the provincial chapter of the Election Commission of Pakistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS
As the anticipation builds ahead of the upcoming general elections, the nomination process in the federal capital continues to gather momentum, marking the fourth consecutive day of active submissions.
On Friday, a diverse array of candidates, numbering at least 10, added to the electoral landscape, presenting their nomination papers for the coveted National Assembly seats of NA-46, NA-47, and NA-48. Notably, among the candidates was Nayab Ali, a resilient trans-person who submitted her nomination papers for two constituencies, NA-46 and NA-47.
The cumulative tally now stands at 36 candidates who have entered the fray over the past four days, indicating a keen interest and competitive spirit among aspirants. The initial count on Wednesday reported 26 candidates in the nomination pool.
Read ECP extends deadline for submission of nomination papers by two days
Prominent figures among Friday’s submissions included four candidates from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), featuring the likes of former MNA Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, former Islamabad mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz, former deputy mayor Zeeshan Naqvi, and Pir Syed Adil Gilani. Additionally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) saw Syed Sibtul Haider Bukhari, the brother of former Senate chairman Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, throwing his hat into the ring.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was not to be outdone, with Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf Gujjar among those vying for the National Assembly seats. Gujjar confidently expressed, "PTI boasts a substantial vote bank here and is poised to secure victory in all three NA seats in Islamabad with a significant margin." In response to inquiries, he conveyed his optimism about receiving the party's ticket for the impending electoral contest.
The nomination submission event was marked by a symbolic moment as Nayab Ali, the transgender candidate, arrived at the District Returning Officer’s office. Ali and her colleagues were warmly greeted, with rose petals symbolizing acceptance and support showered upon them by members of the transgender community.
On Thursday, the DRO reported a collective submission of 405 forms by 4.30pm on the third day, comprising 132 for NA-46, 153 for NA-47, and 120 for NA-48.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2023.