ISLAMABAD, Oct 21 (APP):Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday announced the schedule for local government elections in Islamabad, setting December 20 as polling day and December 24 as the deadline for announcing official results, while imposing restrictions on government activities and the participation of public office-holders in election campaigns to ensure a fair electoral process.
According to the schedule issued by the ECP, candidates can file nomination papers from November 2 to 6, while the preliminary list of candidates will be published on November 7.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from November 9 to 13. Appeals against decisions of returning officers to accept or reject nomination papers can be filed from November 14 to 18, and the appellate tribunals will decide the appeals by November 23.
The revised list of candidates will be issued on November 24, while candidates can withdraw their nomination papers on November 25.
Election symbols will be allotted and the final list of candidates published on November 26.
The ECP has also issued a code of conduct for the elections, imposing restrictions on transfers and postings, with its approval required wherever necessary.
The government will not be allowed to announce development projects in Islamabad during the election process. No authorised person will be permitted to use official powers to influence the election results.
The code of conduct also bars the president, prime minister, chairman Senate, chief ministers, governors, ministers and other government office-holders from participating in election campaigns.
Furthermore, government employees within Islamabad’s territorial limits will not be allowed to take leave without the ECP’s approval.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
