Sept 22 , 2015
News
ECP issues schedule for third phase of LG polls in Punjab, Sindh
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday issued schedule for the third phase of local government elections in 12 districts of Punjab and six districts of Karachi.Elections in these districts will be held on December 03.Nomination papers can be filed with the returning officers from October 03 to 07.
Scrutiny of nomination papers would take place from October 08 to 13. Last date for filing of appeals against acceptance or rejection of appeals would be October 30 and tribunals would decide appeals by November 05.Last date for withdrawal of candidature would be November 06 and the revised list of candidates would be published on November 07.
Punjab districts where local government elections would be held in the third phase are: Layyah, Rajanpur, DG Khan, Muzaffargarh, Jhang, Khushab, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and Multan.
Six districts of Karachi where elections are scheduled in the third phase are: Karachi East, Karachi West, Karachi Central, Karachi South, Malir and Korangi.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) at its meeting in Islamabad discussed matters pertaining to conduct of local government elections in Punjab and Sindh provinces.
Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Raza Khan assured the participants that electoral code of conduct will be implemented in letter and spirit in the holding of free and fair local government elections in two provinces.
He directed chief secretaries of Sindh and Punjab to take action against those who violate code of conduct. The CEC stressed the need for forging close liaison between district administrations and provincial assemblies.
The ECP approved different strategies related to Punjab and Sindh local bodies elections. Punjab Inspector General Police informed the authorities about possible terrorist attacks during polls and stated that Rangers can be summoned in an emergency situation. During the meeting, Sindh and Punjab IGPs pledged to fulfil their duties vigorously during the elections.To ensure transparency in the upcoming local government polls, ban was imposed on appointment and transfer of government officers in Punjab and Sindh.
Briefing the media after an ECP meeting to review the arrangements for LG polls, Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan Babar Yaqub informed media that the ban has been imposed to ensure organisation of a fair and free election.
Answering a question, Yaqub said that the commission has so far not received any written request for deployment of Rangers in the elections. He added that the paramilitary force would be deployed if the need arose. Besides the ECP staff, chief secretaries of Punjab and Sindh along with some high-ranking police officials also attended the meeting which was called in the federal capital city.
Yaqoob said that the participants of the meeting discussed the issues related to security in detail while the CEC directs IGP Punjab and Sindh to ensure security of returning officers and deputy returning officers during the upcoming polls.
“IG Punjab ensures the ECP that the police will remain neutral during the polls while he also showed concerns regarding the terrorist activity in the upcoming polls in the province,” said Yaqoob.Local government elections in Punjab and Sindh will be held in two phases, with the first phase scheduled for October 31and the second to be held on November 19.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk