Filing of nomination papers in person compulsory: ECP

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has clarified that nomination papers would be submitted only by the contesting candidate.
The returning officer (RO) would issue a receipt of the nomination paper specifying the date and time.
The clarification came in response to questions as to whether the nomination papers are to be delivered to returning officers by the candidates themselves and whether attachment of the party’s certificate with the nomination form is compulsory.
The commission said that the candidate may attend the process of scrutiny of nomination papers in his own interest, but in case he preferred to remain absent, his nomination paper could be rejected due to his failure to appear before the RO on the date of scrutiny.
It was also said the candidates may file the party’s certificate showing their party affiliation either at the time of filing of nomination papers or at the time of scrutiny or at the time of allocation of symbols on the date of withdrawal, April 18.
The commission also clarified that the candidates filing nomination papers for the seats reserved for women and non-Muslims could attend the scrutiny of their nomination papers. However, if they do not attend the scrutiny, their nomination papers too would not be rejected on this very ground.
Earlier, filing of nomination papers began on Sunday.
Offices of district returning officers (DROs) and ROs are receiving nomination papers from the potential candidates.
The process of filing nomination papers would continue until March 29. The scrutiny of nomination papers would be held from March 30 to April 5.
Last date for filing of appeals against decisions of the returning officers regarding acceptance or rejection of the nomination papers would be April 9.