Election 2024 Electoral Schedule Released, Polling to Take Place on February 8th
The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued the electoral schedule in compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court, setting the stage for general elections to be held across the country on February 8.
Islamabad: Following the Supreme Court’s decision, a meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the Chief Election Commissioner at the Election Commission of Pakistan, where members were briefed on the current situation after the judicial verdict.
Subsequently, the members approved the electoral schedule for 2024, which was later released by the Election Commission.
According to the schedule, candidates will submit their nomination papers from December 20 to 22, after which the list of candidates will be published on December 23. Nomination papers’ scrutiny for candidates will take place from December 24 to 30.
According to the schedule released by the Election Commission, the final list of candidates will be announced on January 12, 2024.
On January 13, electoral symbols will be assigned to the candidates. Appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers will be heard until January 3, and the appellate tribunals will decide on appeals until January 10.
As per the schedule, the general elections are scheduled for February 8, 2024, on Wednesday.
It is noted that this schedule will also apply to the provincial assemblies of all four provinces along with specific seats.
On the other hand, after the Supreme Court’s decision, the Election Commission of Pakistan has also released the training schedule for returning officers.
According to this schedule, the training for returning officers will be held on December 17 and 18, 2023, while district returning officers’ training is scheduled for December 19, 2023.
How elections are held in Pakistan?
Here is a general overview of how elections are typically conducted in Pakistan:
1. Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP): The Election Commission of Pakistan is the constitutional body responsible for organizing and conducting elections. It is an independent and autonomous body that oversees the entire electoral process.
2. Voter Registration:
– To participate in elections, individuals must be registered as voters. The Election Commission maintains a voter list, and eligible citizens can register to vote through a prescribed process.
3. Constituencies:
– Pakistan is divided into constituencies for both national and provincial assemblies. Each constituency represents a specific geographic area and elects a certain number of representatives.
4. Political Parties and Candidates:
– Political parties nominate candidates to contest elections in different constituencies. Independent candidates can also participate by filing nomination papers.
5. Nomination Process:
– Candidates submit nomination papers along with required documents to the Returning Officer (RO) during a specified period. The nomination papers undergo scrutiny to ensure candidates meet eligibility criteria.
6. Election Campaign:
– After the scrutiny process, candidates are allowed to campaign within the rules and regulations set by the Election Commission. Campaigning includes public rallies, meetings, and other activities to garner support.
7. Polling Stations:
– On the election day, polling stations are set up across the country. Each constituency has multiple polling stations where voters can cast their ballots.
8. Voting Process:
– Voters present their national identity cards to verify their identity. They receive a ballot paper on which they mark their choice for the candidate of their preference. The secrecy of the vote is maintained.
9. Counting of Votes:
– After the polling ends, the ballot boxes are sealed and transported to a counting center. The votes are then counted, and results are compiled.
10. Result Declaration:
– The Election Commission announces the official results, indicating the winning candidates for each constituency. Successful candidates are then declared elected members of the respective assemblies.
11. Election Tribunal:
– In case of disputes or challenges to election results, an election tribunal may hear appeals and decide on the validity of the election.
Note: It’s essential to refer to the latest legal and procedural changes to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on the electoral process in Pakistan.
According to the Constitution of Pakistan, elections are held on a regular basis at different levels of government. Here are the key provisions related to the timing of elections in the Constitution of Pakistan:
1. National Assembly:
– General elections for the National Assembly, the lower house of the Parliament of Pakistan, are to be held every five years. The term of the National Assembly starts from the day of its first meeting and lasts for five years, unless it is dissolved earlier.
2. Provincial Assemblies:
– Similar to the National Assembly, general elections for the provincial assemblies are also held every five years. The term of a provincial assembly begins on the day of its first meeting and lasts for five years, unless it is dissolved earlier.
3. Local Government Elections:
– Local government elections are conducted at the provincial level, and the timing can vary. Local government elections are typically held at regular intervals, and the specific schedule may be determined by the Election Commission of Pakistan or relevant provincial authorities.
4. Senate Elections:
– Senate elections are not held simultaneously with the general elections for the National Assembly and provincial assemblies. Members of the Senate are elected by the members of the provincial assemblies and the National Assembly. Senate elections are held every three years for half of the seats.
It’s important to note that while the Constitution provides a general framework for the timing of elections, the actual schedule is determined by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The Election Commission is responsible for announcing the schedule for general elections and by-elections, as well as overseeing the entire electoral process in the country.