On Saturday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) granted approval formodifications to 18 clauses in the Election Rules and introduced five newforms.The ECP has stipulated that objections to these alterations can beraised within a 15-day window.
Among the changes, one now mandates that candidates establish a dedicatedbank account exclusively for election campaign expenses, prohibiting theuse of joint accounts. Another alteration requires the returning officer(RO) to provide the election results to the candidate at the DistrictElection Commission’s facility.
Additionally, postal ballots will now be enclosed in separate packetsbefore being sent to the relevant ROs. If the RO does not receive theseballots prior to the election day, the votes will not be counted.Furthermore, ROs must promptly notify the ECP if the results are notannounced by 2:00 a.m. and provide reasons for any delays. The electionresults will be handed over in the presence of all candidates, with the ROcompleting forms 47, 48, and 49 for the results before sealing them.
Candidates are now responsible for calculating their electioneeringexpenses and providing the details to the ECP in accordance with an amendedrule. Another new rule establishes a cost of Rs100,000 for filing anelection-related petition with the ECP, and the ECP is obligated to rendera decision within 180 days. If a candidate seeks to adjourn the petition’shearing, they may be fined between Rs10,000 and Rs50,000. Additionally, theadjournment of the case’s hearing is limited to a maximum of three days,according to another amended rule.
Read Top Stories
Furthermore, political parties are now required to inform the electioncommission about intra-party elections 15 days before these elections, andthey must submit results to the ECP within seven days following theelections.
