ISLAMABAD – Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday said that inthe light of order of Supreme Court of Pakistan, all contesting candidatesof National and provincial assemblies and reserved seats will have tosubmit the affidavit alongwith their nomination papers with the ReturningOfficers (ROs).
According to ECP, directions in this regard had been issued to theReturning Officers across the country to receive affidavit which wasprepared by the ECP and approved by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
It said that under Supreme Court order, all contesting candidates will bebound to submit their affidavit with their concerned Returning Officers byJune 11, failing which their nomination papers will be rejected.
It said that the commission has placed the affidavit on its website tofacilitate the expected candidates.
Submission Of Affidavit Compulsory
Supreme Court directed all candidates contesting general elections tosubmit an affidavit, comprising missing information in the electoralnominations papers, within three days.
A five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, issuedorders while hearing appeals filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP), former speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq against the Lahore HighCourt ruling ordering the revision of the nomination forms to be submittedby candidates for upcoming general elections.
The court also directed ECP to submit the format of the affidavit in thecourt within one hour, however, the nomination papers will remain unchanged.
The Chief Justice maintained that ECP had right to ask details whatever itneeded from the candidates moreover public should know the whereabouts ofhis candidates going to contest elections.
The top judge said that all information was being demanded for justice,adding that the court would have the right to take action against theperson who filed misinformation in the affidavit under Article 62, 63 ofthe constitution.
It may added that LHC had ruled that the nomination forms do not includemandatory information and declarations required from lawmakers as per theConstitution and law, and ordered the ECP to ensure this information isincluded in the revised Form A – for election to the NA or Senate – andForm B – a statement of assets and liabilities.
Subsequently, ECP and Ayaz Sadiq approached SC challenging the decision,subsequently, the apex court suspended LHC decision and now made compulsoryrequired affidavit along with nomination forms.