An ECP worker packs documents for polling stations in Lahore. PHOTO: AFP
With the deadline for the filing of nomination papers already upon us, election authorities have so far witnessed only a lackluster response.
As Saturday ended, only around 3,600 forms had been filed with returning officers (ROs). Despite this, election authorities expected a gargantuan turnout at the RO offices today (Sunday), before the exercise culminates by 4pm.
Starting from March 24, the last date for filing nomination papers was initially March 29. But at the behest of various political parties, the Election Commission of Pakistan extended the deadline by two days till March 31.
ECP officials maintained there would be no further extension for the filing of nomination papers and the ROs would begin scrutinising the forms from April 1 onwards.
Aerial firing to lead to rejection of papers
But some hopefuls may not even have to wait till the scrutiny before they get rejected. Election authorities have also directed ROs to reject the nominations of any prospective candidates who violate the code of conduct and resort to aerial fire while filing their forms. In light of security threats, ECP has also asked prospective candidates to refrain from bringing a large number of supporters with them when they come in to file nomination papers.
“We expect more than 7,000 candidates will file their forms on Sunday… any big processions will serve as soft targets for terrorists,” said ECP Additional Secretary Afzal Khan. Around 13,000 candidates filed nomination forms for the 2008 elections.
While Afzal reiterated that no further extension will be allowed for filing nomination forms, he said that since Sunday is a public holiday and banks would be closed, the commission had allowed prospective candidates to mention their existing account numbers in place of the special account the candidates are supposed to open for election expenditures. He added, however, that the candidates would have to provide the number of the new account during the scrutiny process.
Meanwhile, according to ECP sources, the central scrutiny committee, which comprises officials from the ECP, National Accountability Bureau, State Bank of Pakistan and National Database and Registration Authority, has scrutinised around 1,200 of the forms submitted so far. These forms, they added, have been sent back to the respective ROs.
‘FBR officials creating hurdles’
ECP sources say the commission has written a letter to the federal ombudsman’s office, requesting action against certain officials of the Federal Board of Revenue who are using delaying tactics instead of providing the tax information of certain candidates.
“These are low level officials ... If no action is taken, it will sabotage the scrutiny process,” an official privy to the development told The Express Tribune.
Strict warnings, meanwhile, have been issued to government officials against any foul play, another official maintained.
“We want to set some examples this time. Any government official found guilty of manipulation will face termination from service. Citizens found involved will face jail terms as per election laws,” asserted Afzal Khan. He added that presiding officers would enjoy magisterial powers on the polling day and could send anyone found guilty of hampering the process to jail.
Complaints from K-P
The ECP has received complaints from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa against Inamur Rehman, the son of senior Frontier Constabulary official Ghaniur Rehman, who has allegedly received an FC squad for his personal security. Inam is contesting elections from K-P. The commission has asked the home department to conduct an inquiry.
Good news for nominees
Many prospective candidates, mainly from Karachi, who may have otherwise been rejected for failing to prove they were registered voters have been given some leeway. The ECP has allowed them to file nomination papers without the required voters’ extract.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 31st, 2013.
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ECP has made tall claims about scrutiny of nomination papers. The real test time of ECP has arrived.
I hope that scrutiny of all nomination papers would be made in a away that only cadidates who qualify 100% according to the rules made by ECP should be allowed to contest the 2013 elections.
Let's keep our figures cross.
The scrutiny of billionaire,corrupt and defaulters of Banks,WAPDA,PTCL,Gas and WASA Pakistani bureaucrats and politicians within 7 days is impossible and ECP shall require at least 30 days for complete and thorough scrutiny of approximately 10,000 candidates' forms and what shall ECP do with them who have written off their billions of Rupees' loans by using their political influence and approach and what shall be done with them who have fake educational degrees and who have not submitted their educational degrees????? In other words ECP is playing a 20-20 game in which ECP is chasing approximately 9000 runs in 20 over or on 120 balls....