Good housekeeping

ECP rejected nomination papers of almost two dozen candidates seeking a seat in Senate in the forthcoming elections

For the first time, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected nomination papers of almost two dozen candidates seeking a seat in the Senate in the forthcoming elections. All of those rejected thus far were from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and they are crying ‘foul’. The reason for the rejection is that the candidates have not filed a tax return in any of the last three years, but those rejected argue that as Fata is a tax-free area, there is no requirement that they pay. The ECP is not buying that one and says that if they have any business interests outside Fata or a job — which would include the job of senator — they are liable for payment of income tax. Also for the first time, the ECP is receiving a report on every Senate candidate from the FIA, the FBR and NAB thus ensuring that there is the fullest possible profile to hand concerning all the hopefuls.

In broad terms we welcome this development and do not regard the rejections of the applications by candidates from Fata as discriminatory. The ECP is correct to apply the rule book strictly, as there is much that is wrong with the way parliamentary seats are acquired in both the lower and the upper Houses. If this move is part of a wider clean-up then all the better, and it is much to be hoped that similar rigour will be applied to those seeking election to the Lower House in any future elections, be they federal or provincial. The ECP has accepted the papers of 12 candidates from Fata, indicating the submissions were complete and would have included their tax returns, which somewhat undermines those who are pleading that they are being treated unfairly. Had the ECP rejected even those applications that were correctly completed, then there would be grounds for a hue and cry, but it has been shown to be acting fairly. The ECP is also acting in a transparent manner as far as may be ascertained and again this is to be welcomed. Good housekeeping, ECP.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st,  2015.

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