ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday allowed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to enforce clause 202 (5) of the Election Act 2017, which directs the political parties wishing to contest elections to submit at least 2,000 member credentials and deposit an enlisting fee of Rs 200,000.
After the verdict, all the political parties were issued notices by the ECP under clause 202 (5) of the new election law, asking the parties that want to take part in the general elections scheduled next year to provide a list of at least 2,000 members along with their signatures or thumb impression as well the copies of the National Identity Cards.
Besides, they have to deposit Rs 200,000 with the State Bank of Pakistan as enlistment fee and provide a receipt to the ECP.
The IHC bench had earlier suspended the law on the request of four parties which approached it seeking to declare the law as illegal and unconstitutional.
On Friday, Justice Amir Farooq restored the section 202 of the Election Act 2017, allowing the electoral body to enforce it in letter and spirit.
