SC directs ECP to submit reply over elections code of conduct today
The court has strictly directed the commission to submit its reply by today.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Supreme Court (SC) on Monday has sought reply over code of conduct for upcoming general elections 2018 from Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
During the hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar said that the proceedings related to elections should be carried out on first priority. Won’t allow to delay elections, he reiterated.
Director General ECP told the court that the code of conduct was prepared after court’s decision in 2012 however, it has been amended in 2017 after Election Act.
Subsequently, the court has strictly directed the commission to submit its reply by today so that it can review new and old code of conduct lists.
On the other hand, ECP has started accepting nomination papers from the candidates for general elections 2018. The papers will be received until June 8 while names of the candidates will be published on the same date.
The commission has constituted a central scrutiny cell for thorough scrutiny of nomination papers that will be conducted in June 14.
Earlier, ECP secretary Babar Yaqoob, while addressing a presser here in Islamabad, stated that they [read ECP officials] had issued schedule as per jurisdiction bestowed on them by Constitution and law. “Election will be held on 25th of July, 2015 whereas returning officer will issue a notice in this regard tomorrow”, secretary told reporters.
Also Read: ECP issues code of conduct for foreign observers
“From 2nd of June to 6th of June, candidates will submit nomination papers while a list would be displayed on June-7. [ECP] will scrutinize candidates’ papers till June-14. The final list of candidates will be issued on June 27 and electoral symbol will be allotted to candidates on June-27”, stated Yaqoob.
It is worth here to mention that general elections 2018 will be held on July 25 for National Assembly and provincial assemblies.
