ECP Releases Schedule For Upcoming Presidential Election

On Friday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officially announced the notice and schedule for the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for March 9. The issuance of the notification is in accordance with the constitutional provisions outlined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, along with clauses (3) and (4) of Article 41.

The public notification delineates the comprehensive program for the election process, covering the submission of nomination papers, scrutiny of these papers, withdrawal of candidature, publication of the list of validly nominated candidates, the retirement date, and the polling day itself.

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As per the schedule provided by the ECP, candidates aspiring for the highest constitutional office in the country must submit their nomination papers by 12:00 pm on March 2. The submission process will take place under the supervision of presiding officers in key cities, namely Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta.

Subsequently, the scrutiny of nomination papers by returning officers is scheduled for March 4. The following day allows for the withdrawal of candidature.

The ECP will then release the list of candidates who are validly nominated on the same day as the withdrawal deadline, i.e., March 5. March 6 has been earmarked as the retirement date, signifying the conclusion of the preparatory phase.

Finally, the polling day for the election of the next president is set for March 9. The voting process will take place at the National Assembly and all provincial assemblies, commencing at 10:00 am and concluding at 4:00 pm. This detailed schedule provides a structured and transparent framework for the forthcoming presidential election in Pakistan.