Election schedule finally released by ECP following SC’s overturning of the LHC ruling

CEC Sikander Sultan Raja vows to provide level playing to all political parties

With the release of the much-anticipated schedule for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, the political drums have officially started to beat.

The Pakistani Election Commission has made a big announcement by revealing the dates of the next general elections, which will take place across the country on February 8, 2024.

The published schedule lists several important dates and steps that must be taken in order to prepare for the elections. The timeline that was released states that candidates can submit their nomination papers between December 20 and December 22. By December 23, the full slate of candidates will be made public, paving the way for the ensuing stages of investigation and appeals.

The nomination papers that have been submitted will be carefully examined by the returning officers starting on January 1 and continuing until December 24 or December 30. On January 3, 2024, appeals concerning the acceptance or rejection of these papers are expected to be heard.

The Election Commission has set January 10, 2024, as the deadline for the Appellate Authority’s decisions regarding the appeals. On January 11, 2024, a revised list of candidates will be released.

In addition, it has been announced that nomination papers must be withdrawn by January 12, 2024. This will allow candidates to receive their election symbols on January 13, 2024.

The Election Commission has released the election schedule in accordance with a recent Supreme Court order requiring the Commission to do so as soon as possible. With its announcement of a timeline that invites candidates to participate in and engage in the upcoming electoral process scheduled for February 8, 2024, it lays the foundation for a momentous democratic event in the nation.

Sikander Sultan Raja, the chief electoral commissioner, earlier pledged to give the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other political parties equal treatment.

Raja voiced his opinions, saying, “I had never said the country’s elections would be delayed. It is preferable to complete the confirmation before the announcement is made public. The schedule for the elections has been prepared.

The meeting between the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and the chief electoral watchdog was clarified. “I had a fantastic meeting with the CJP today.” “Islamabad, Washington, is not a major problem. The ECP CEC stated that the issues related to the Islamabad DC had been closely monitored.

The chief election commissioner confirmed that the ECP should be contacted with any objections regarding any Returning Officer (RO). He explained that elections were always possible and that the ROs were chosen from the bureaucracy in response to decisions made by the High Court.

It was underlined by Sikandar Sultan Raja that the Commission plans to make the schedule public today. The schedule will be released today as a result of the Supreme Court’s order, guaranteeing fairness for all parties and specifically attending to PTI’s concerns. Ideally, it would correspond with the training of ROs.

Read More: Following ECP’s termination of ROs’ training, PML-N charges PTI of plotting to postpone elections

Raja highlighted a friendly meeting with the Chief Justice and said that problems with the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner have been resolved and significant constellations have been adjusted.

Raja expressed optimism for unified political leadership and stressed the importance of unity in light of the nation’s economic circumstances. He emphasized the Election Commission’s dedication to guaranteeing impartiality throughout the voting procedure.

Speaking about previous incidents, Raja brought up Shah Khawar’s application and acknowledged some of the PTI’s errors, especially the fact that they hadn’t held elections for four years.

In response to personal attacks, Raja brought up misunderstandings about his wife and stated that the Election Commission wanted impartial oversight. He emphasized that all political parties should have equal access to city rallies and that they should all have equal opportunities.

Regarding Imran Khan, Raja made it clear where he stood. He acknowledged Imran Khan’s nomination of Raja for the position, dismissed any personal prejudice, and expressed his respect for the former PTI chairman.