The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered local government elections in Islamabad under the Islamabad Local Government Act, 2015, and directed officials to issue the election schedule.
The five-member commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, heard proceedings regarding delays in holding local government elections in the federal capital. After the hearing, the chief election commissioner announced a short order directing that the elections be held under the 2015 law.
The ECP subsequently issued the election schedule, setting December 20 as polling day. Voting will take place from 8am to 4pm.
According to the schedule, candidates can submit nomination papers from November 2 to 6. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from November 9 to 13, while appeals against returning officers’ decisions can be filed from November 14 to 18.
Candidates can withdraw their nomination papers until November 25. The ECP will issue election symbols on November 26, while the allocation of symbols to candidates is also listed for November 28 in the announced schedule.
Following the issuance of the election schedule, restrictions have been imposed on the appointment and transfer of government officials in Islamabad.
The ECP has also barred the president, prime minister, federal ministers and members of parliament from participating in local government election campaigns.
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