Election

ISLAMABAD: Amid a stream of views coming in support and against the sentencing of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Hanif Abbasi from NA-60, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Sunday notified postponement of the election in this constituency of Rawalpindi.

The Election Commission said that while preparations for the general elections were in their final stages and ballot papers for the constituency were already printed with Hanif Abbasi’s election symbol on them, the ECP is bound to provide a level playing field to all candidates. It said the election in NA-60 is postponed and will be conducted after the scheduled general elections, along with other postponed elections.

Hanif Abbasi was contesting the election mainly against the Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed from NA-60. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) did not have a covering candidate in the constituency. Sheikh Rasheed enjoys full support of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as well.

“Whereas only two days are left to the conduct of the elections, when Hanif Abbasi, a potential candidate from NA-60 has been disqualified, which has resulted into a heated debate in the media and political circles rendering the atmosphere as full and negativelycharged and; whereas the serious criticism is afloat qua the provision of level-playing field in the general election…and whereas the Election Commission of Pakistan, having taken cognisance of all attending circumstances is bound to provide a level playing field to the contestants under the Constitution and the law, particularly the Section 4 of the Elections Act, 2017 read with Article 218(3) of the Constitution and the powers of the Election Commission defined by the August Supreme Court of Pakistan in famous Workers Party case…”, the notification says.

Now, the election in NA-60 will be conducted along with other constituencies, where the poll process had been already postponed, following the July 25 elections for which a schedule will be duly issued.

It is pertinent to mention that the law provides for postponement of election in case of death of a candidate. Section 73 of the Elections Act, 2017, says that “if a contesting candidate dies before commencement of the poll or during the polling hours, the returning officer shall, by public notice, terminate the proceedings relating to that election”.

Under this law, polls have been also delayed in PS-87 Malir, following death of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan candidate Sharif Ahmed Khan in a road accident, PK-78 Peshawar after death of Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Haroon Bilour in a suicide attack and NA-103 and PP-103 constituencies of Peshawar due to death of independent candidate Mirza Mughal.

Elections were also delayed in PB-35 Mastung after a terrorist attack, which claimed at least 149 lives including that of Balochistan Awami Party candidate Siraj Raisani. Similarly, polls have been postponed in PP-87 Mianwali after death of Ahmed Khan, a candidate of Pakistan Justice and Democratic Party. Some candidates have been also disqualified already but polling will take place as usual; they include Rana Asif Tausif, Sardar Ghulam Abbas and Rai Hasan Nawaz.

Chapter VIII: Election expenses and statement of assets and liabilities

132. Restriction on election expenses

(1) The election expenses of a candidate shall include the expenses incurred by any person or a political party on behalf of the candidate or incurred by a political party specifically for the candidate.

(2) Where any person incurs any election expenses on behalf of a candidate, whether for stationery, postage, advertisement, transport or for any other item, such expenses shall be deemed to be the election expenses incurred by the candidate himself.

(3) The election expenses of a contesting candidate shall not exceed

 (a) Rs1.5 million for election to a seat in the Senate; 

  (b) Rs4m for election to a seat in the National Assembly; and 

 (c) Rs2m for election to a seat in a Provincial Assembly. 

(4) A candidate shall, through bills, receipts and other documents, vouch for every payment made in respect of election expenses, except where the amount is less than Rs1,000.

In order to develop a better understanding of the permissions given by the Election Commission of Pakistan to candidates for spending on their election campaigns, we reproduce below Chapter VIII from the Elections Act 2017

(5) If election expenses of a candidate are disputed, the Commission may conduct an enquiry to ascertain whether the election expenses, incurred by any person other than the candidate, were incurred with his permission and if the expenses were incurred without his permission, it would not be deemed to be election expenses on behalf of the candidate.

133. Bank account for election expenses

(1) For purposes of his election expenses, a candidate shall open an exclusive account with any branch of a scheduled bank before the date fixed for scrutiny of nomination papers and maintain, or cause to be maintained, a register of receipts and expenditures.

(2) A candidate shall not make any transaction towards the election expenses through an account other than the account opened for the purpose.

(3) A candidate may open the bank account for election expenses with an amount not exceeding the limit of election expenses provided under section 132. 134.

134. Return of election expenses

(1) A contesting candidate, other than the returned candidate, shall submit the return of his election expenses on Form C within thirty days of the publication of the name of the returned candidate.

(2) The return of election expenses of the returned candidate and a contesting candidate shall be submitted to the Returning Officer on Form C. 135.

135. Inspection of returns

(1) Immediately on receipt, the returns and documents submitted under section 134, shall be sent by the Returning Officer to the Commission and shall, for a period of one year from the date of receipt by it, be open to inspection by any person on payment of the prescribed fee.

(2) The Commission shall, on an application made in this behalf and on payment of the prescribed fee, give any person copies of any return or document or any part thereof kept under sub-section (1). 136.

136. Action relating to election expenses

(1) The Commission shall, in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed but within ninety days from the date of submission of a return of election expenses, scrutinise or cause to be scrutinised the return of election expenses submitted by each contesting candidate including the returned candidate.

(2) If the Commission fails to finalise scrutiny of any return of election expenses within ninety days under sub-section (1), the return of election expenses shall be deemed to be scrutinised and accepted as correct.

(3) Where after scrutiny of returns under sub-section (1), the Commission is of the view that a candidate has acted in contravention of the provisions of section 132, the Commission shall direct an authorised officer to file a complaint against such candidate for committing the offence of corrupt practice.

(4) Where a contesting candidate fails to file requisite returns within the specified period, the Returning Officer shall cause a notice to be issued to such candidate calling upon him to show cause why proceedings may not be initiated against him for failure to file requisite returns; and if despite service of notice, he does not comply with the provisions of section 134, the Returning Officer shall report the matter to the Commission.

(5) On receipt of report under sub-section (4), the Commission shall issue notice calling upon the candidate to show cause as to why a complaint may not be filed against him for failure to file requisite returns.

(6) The candidate may file an application for condonation of delay in filing the returns along with the return and the Commission may condone the delay, if it is satisfied that such failure was made in good faith due to circumstances beyond the control of the candidate, and accept the return.

(7) In case of rejection of application for condonation of delay under sub-section (6), the Commission shall direct an authorised officer to file a complaint against such candidate for committing the offence of illegal practice.

137. Submission of statement of assets and liabilities

(1) Every Member of an Assembly and Senate shall submit to the Commission, on or before 31 December each year, a copy of his statement of assets and liabilities including assets and liabilities of his spouse and dependent children as on the preceding thirtieth day of June on Form B.

(2) The Commission, on the first day of January each year through a press release, shall publish the names of Members who failed to submit the requisite statement of assets and liabilities within the period specified under subsection (1).

(3) The Commission shall, on the sixteenth day of January, by an order suspend the membership of a Member of an Assembly and Senate who fails to submit the statement of assets and liabilities by the fifteenth day of January and such Member shall cease to function till he files the statement of assets and liabilities.

(4) Where a Member submits the statement of assets and liabilities under this section which is found to be false in material particulars, he may, within one hundred and twenty days from the date submission of the statement, be proceeded against for committing the offence of corrupt practice.

138. Publication of statement of assets and liabilities

The Commission shall publish in the official Gazette the statements of assets and liabilities received by it under section 137 and any person may obtain copies of a statement of assets and liabilities on payment of prescribed fee.

Amid vehement criticism from various government institutions and civil society, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the latest notification has limited magisterial powers of military personnel set to be deployed in and outside the polling stations in upcoming elections, a local media outlet reported.

In a notification issued by on July 10, the ECP had extended powers to the armed forces personnel to be deployed at polling stations across the country from July 23 to July 27 for the provision of a secure environment to assist ECP in the conduct of for free, fair and transparent manner.

Appointment of 371,000 armed forces personnel in elections with magisterial powers was criticised by and large while senators also on Saturday had voiced serious reservations over such powers.
The ECP said that all the security personnel deployed in and outside the polling stations are bound to report to the presiding officer about irregularity or malpractice, and not act on their own.

“The commission has expressed serious reservations about statements made and the impression created in the house about an independent constitutional entity which is working with complete freedom and impartiality,” ECP said.

It further stated that interference in the domain of legal authorities is tenable neither legally nor morally and such act through allegations will not serve the democratic principle. It added that it is for the very first time that security personnel will be performing duties under a notified code of conduct after taking an oath.

The fresh ECP notification read, “In respect of offences punishable under section 174, 176, 177, 183 and 194 of the aforesaid act shall be constituted with the words in respect of offences under section 169 (personation) and section 171 (capturing a polling station or polling booth) punishable under section 174 of the aforesaid act.”

In the amended notification, referring to the Elections Act 2017, the ECP has taken back several powers and the magisterial powers will be wielded only in two scenarios.

It includes personation as per section 169 in which “a person is guilty of personation if he votes or applies for a ballot paper for voting, as some other person whether that other person is living or dead or fictitious.” Similarly, Section 171 is about capturing a polling station, or booth beside stopping voters from entering the polling station.

Both of the said offences will be punishable under section 174 that states that —any person guilty of the offence of a corrupt practice shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees or with both.

While other powers under section 176 about disorderly conduct near polling station while authority under section 177 if a person canvases or solicits voters within a radius of 400 metres of the polling station has been withdrawn. Similarly, under section 183 —if a person guilty of the offence of illegal practice shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees or with both—stands withdrawn.

The said powers now rest with the presiding officer. If army personnel see any such offence they will first inform the presiding officer and if latter does not act to prevent the irregularity the security staff will bring the matter to the notice of the designated officer-in-charge of Pakistan armed, civil forces.

The powers of a police officer under section 194 given to the army personnel has also been withdrawn in which any person could be arrested without arrest warrants if that person removes a banner, removed by the presiding officer but commits an offence inside the polling station.

taboola

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has established general election information centres in its provincial, regional and district offices to facilitate the voters and the general public.

According to an official of ECP, the commission has also placed the details of all these centres on its official website in addition to launching its Short Message Service (SMS) 8300 to facilitate voters throughout the country.

He said that voters can get details of relevant polling stations by sending SMS to 8300 along with their Computerized National Identity Card Number (CNIC), adding that around 10 million people had received the information about their respective polling station so far.

He said that voters can also get information about the place of vote and details regarding any constituency of national and provincial assembly.

The ECP had already issued its final polling scheme for national and provincial assemblies’ constituencies for the conduct of general election 2018 in all the provinces and the federal capital.

He said the commission had placed all the details regarding final polling scheme on its official web portal for the voters’ facilitation by ensuring the compliance with basic fundamental right under the constitution related to the right to information.

The official said that the polling scheme consists of the constituency’s name, polling station’s name, name of electoral area, census block code, serial number of voters on the electoral roll in case electoral area is bifurcated, number of voters assigned to a polling station, including male, female and total number of polling booths allotted to a constituency.

taboola

ISLAMABAD: No polling agent of any political party and no voter will be allowed to take mobile phones inside the polling station but election staff and security personnel will be permitted to have such gadgets with them on these premises.

“The purpose of disallowing the polling agents and voters to carry cell phones inside the stations is to ensure secrecy of the ballot papers and process,” Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) spokesman Nadim Qasim told The News while answering questions.

These days, mobile phones are equally used for making videos, taking photographs and calling purposes. These tools are used to document what is happening. The political parties want their polling agents to use cell phones to record irregularities, if any, by anyone.

The ECP spokesman said the election staff and security personnel will have their mobile phones with them inside the polling stations. However, he said, the security people will keep their cell phones switched off and will turn them on only when they will feel the need to use them.

Nadim Qasim said the local and international poll observers will be permitted to carry their mobile phones inside the voting places but will be barred from using them on these premises. He also said that the media persons will be permitted to have their mobile phones and other equipment like cameras with them to make the footage they want.

However, it is a fact that the media people will be able to visit only a very small fraction of 85,000 polling stations spread across Pakistan. It is not physically and humanly possible for the print and electronic media staffers to take rounds of even a significant number of stations. Considering this massive constraint, journalists and eyes of the TV cameras will be handicapped to document each and every possible malpractice at all voting places. Particularly, they are always unable to have access to far flung areas where rigging opportunities are easily exploited and not even recorded.

When told that the designated polling agents will be naturally desperate to quickly transmit the result to their candidates if they would have their mobile phones with them, the ECP spokesman said that the presiding officers will not only give certified copies of the vote count to all agents but will also display them at the stations. “Then, the agents can send the results to their contestants after coming out of the polling stations.”

To another question, Nadim Qasim said the security personnel would be deployed to allay fears among voters and not to create it. “The code of conduct issued by the ECP clearly spells out the duties of security forces, which will have nothing to do with the election process; and they will only provide protection and security on the occasion.”

He said that starting from the 2013 general elections, at least 100 by-polls were held under the supervision of the Pakistan Army, which helped peaceful polling. Every time, he said, all political parties demanded deployment of the troops.

The ECP spokesman said that the electoral commission would have been in deep trouble in view of the recent devastating terrorist attacks had it not decided to seek the deployment of about 400,000 troops beforehand.

When told that the security situation particularly the incidence of terrorism drastically came down in 2018 compared to the time of the previous elections in 2013 when only 70,000 troops were detailed, Nadim Qasim said that the deployment decision had to be taken much before the polls and it can’t be made at the spur of the moment.

The spokesman referred to a statement of the ECP secretary to a Senate committee in which he talked about the fear of terrorism and sabotage, and said that in view of such danger the involvement of the army at an increased scale was decided at the appropriate time so that the electoral forum is not caught unawares.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will set up 85,307 polling stations in all the four provinces and the federal capital to facilitate voters and to ensure better turnout on the polling day.

According to an official of ECP, a total of 23,424 male, 21,707 female, 40,133 combined and 43 improvised polling stations would be established across the country. The official said 47,813 polling stations would be set up in Punjab, 17,747 in Sindh, 12,634 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 4,420 in Balochistan, 797 in the federal capital and 1,896 in the erstwhile tribal areas.

He said the ECP would establish 360 male, 360 female and 77 combined polling stations in the federal capital. Some 13,351 male, 12,716 female and 21,746 combined polling stations would be set up in Punjab, and 467 male, 359 female and 1,070 combined ones in Fata. Likewise, he said, 1,252 male, 1,073 female, 2,052 combined and 43 improvised polling stations would be set up in Balochistan, 4,128 male, 3,600 female and 4,906 combined ones in KP and 3,866 male, 3,599 female and 10,288 combined ones would also be set up in Sindh.

The official said the ECP had already issued the final polling scheme for national and provincial assemblies’ constituencies for the conduct of general elections in all the provinces and the federal capital. He said the commission has placed all the details about final polling scheme on its official web portal for the voters.

A tough competition is expected between the right wing Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) and left-leaning (ANP) Awami National Party in NA-250 – a newly-marked constituency home to most parts of former NA-240.

Shahi Syed, president of ANP’s Sindh chapter and Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, chief of MMA’s Karachi wing, are both hoping to win the NA seat. However, political observers believe that if MMA is able to gain the support of Urdu-speaking communities, it could leave ANP behind.

According to ECP data, 13 candidates are in run for NA-250 belonging to various political parties, including the mainstream Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, Pak Sarzameen Party, Pakistan Peoples Party, MMA and ANP, while 36 candidates are contesting from its provincial constituencies of PS-114 and PS-120. The District West constituency covers Pak Colony, Shershah, Pathan Colony, Metroville, Qasba Colony, Ali Gardh Market, Mianwali Colony, MPR Colony and parts of Orangi Town and SITE.

According to senior political journalist Munir Ahmed Shah, ANP’s Syed has the support of various political parties, including PML-N, MQM-P and various dissident leaders of PTI. Out of these parties, the PML-N has already done seat adjustment with ANP on NA-249, while MQM-P is quietly supporting ANP, but it has not withdrawn its candidate yet.

Shah said PTI District West President Subhan Ali Sahil is annoyed about not getting a ticket to contest the seat and is therefore not supporting his party. Sahil also met Syed two weeks ago and thus it seems that PTI is in a weak position in the constituency.

The journalist further said that the MMA candidate, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, who represents both MMA Karachi as well as Jamaat-e-Islami from Karachi, has a strong hold in NA-250, while MMA candidates, Qari Muhmmad Usman for PS-114 and Abdur Razzaq for PS-120, also have a good reputation. Razzaq was a runner-up candidate in the last general elections of 2013, so MMA has the same chances of winning from the constituency, he said.

Moreover, JI leader Rehman had been highlighting issues Pahstuns were facing in the area long before the elections, including water shortage, inflated electric bills and issuance of CNICs, while the ANP seemed to have abandoned the residents after the 2013 elections. “ANP’s position is apparently strong, but MMA seems to be much stable on ground,” said Shah.

The Urdu-speaking population in NA-250 is considerably smaller than the Pashtuns; therefore, the MQM-P has little chance of winning, while PSP contender Syed Hafeezuddin, who also won a provincial assembly seat previously on a PTI ticket, could divide the MQM-P vote bank.

Another journalist and resident of the area, Khalid Mehmood, said the MMA contender has a lead over other candidates in the constituency because both Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and JI already have a number of Union Committees in the area. But, ANP’s election campaign is much better than MMA’s and it could give the religio-political alliance a tough time. “When you calculate the vote bank of ANP and MMA, particularly in Pashtun-dominated areas, both the parties have the same popularity,” Mehmood said. “However, MMA has a little influence in Urdu-speaking areas as well, which gives it an edge.”

“It seems MMA will win PS-120, but PS-114 is not totally in its favour because Pak Colony and Jahanabad are those areas which have less religious voters,” he added.

Mehmood, however, said that MQM-P could not be underestimated in the race because the area has more than 40 percent Urdu-speaking population. But PSP could pose a threat to its vote bank.

The hopefuls

PSP candidate Syed Hafizuddin, who had won a provincial assembly seat from the constituency, hoped that people would consider his previous performance when voting. “I know the suffering of the people and I did what I could for them. I raised my voice at each and every forum, including the Sindh Assembly and K-Electric and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation,” he said.

Hafizuddin added that the constituency falls in the SITE area and most of the residents are labourers. “Being a lawyer, I also highlighted the problems of labourers as well. This is why I believe that I will get the overwhelming support of voters from NA-250,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said MMA’s door-to-door election campaign has attracted the attention of locals. “We have the support of religious parties while a large number of the residents tend to vote for MMA,” he said.

According to Rehman, JI has successfully resolved issues like CNIC issuance, water shortage and electricity-related problems before election, that too, without enjoying any position in the government. The Bihari and Pashtun communities were mostly facing these problems and now they would have space for MMA, he claimed.

The MMA candidate said if elected, his party’s first priority would be education because District West has the least number of schools. The other priority would be resolving the water shortage and unemployment.

ANP’s Shahi Syed said his party was electioneering in the constituency at full speed as it has remained an ANP stronghold. “All the contestants believe that they will win the seat but they forget that NA-250 is the home ground for ANP,” he said.

However, MQM’s Fayyaz Qaimkhani said his party was facing difficulties in running its election campaign in NA-250. He claimed PSP workers were creating hurdles for MQM and had moved a “false” application with the police against MQM-P workers and removed the party’s flags – actions that violate the ECP’s code of conduct.

“Our voters are intact and committed to the party, while other parties have no control over their voters, thus, there are certainly chances of MQM-P winning,” he claimed.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday quashed rumours about the uncertain fate of the upcoming Senate polls by announcing that the election for 52 of the total 104 seats of the upper house of parliament would be held on March 3. While the schedule for the Senate elections is to be officially announced on Feb 2, the ECP in an unusual move provided to the media details of the schedule approved by it. According to the ECP, the returning officer will issue a public notice on Feb 3 inviting nomination papers which can be filed during office hours till Feb 6. After completing scrutiny of the nomination papers by Feb 9, a list of valid candidates will be issued on Feb 15. The candidates will be allowed to withdraw nominations by Feb 16. Fifty-two senators are set to complete their six-year term on March 11 and the newly elected senators will take oath of their office on March 12. Fifty-two new senators to be elected on March 3 The Senate comprises 104 members — 23 members from each of the four provinces, eight from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and four from Islamabad Capital Territory. Each province has 14 general and nine reserved seats. Among the reserved seats, four are reserved for women and an equal number of seats for technocrats while one seat is reserved for a non-Muslim community member. While the total term for a senator is six years, half of the senators retire after every three years. The Senate elections depend on the numerical strength of political parties in the national and provincial assemblies. Four of the provincial assemblies vote for their representatives. Senators from Islamabad are elected by the National Assembly, whereas Fata senators are elected by MNAs from Fata. A person seeking election to the Senate should not be less than 30 years of age and should be registered as a voter in an area or province from where he or she seeks election and should meet other qualifications prescribed under Article 62 of the Constitution. Prominent among those retiring on March 11 are incumbent Senate Chair­man Mian Raza Rabbani, defunct finance minister Ishaq Dar, leader of opposition in the Senate Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, PPP parliamentary leader Taj Haider, PTI parliamentary leader Azam Khan Swati and MQM parliamentary leader retired Col Tahir Hussain Mashhadi and spokesman for former president Asif Ali Zardari and a vocal senator known for candidly speaking on the issues others normally avoid, Farhatullah Babar. All four Pakistan Muslim League-Q senators, nine of the 27 PML-N senators, 18 of the 26 PPP senators, five of the six Awami National Party senators, four of the eight Muttahida Qaumi Movement senators, two Balochistan National Party-Awami senators, three of the five Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F senators, five of the 10 independent senators and one senator of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and PML-Functional each are set to retire on March 11 after completion of their six-year term. All the four PML-Q senators — the recently nominated parliamentary leader Saeedul Hassan Mandokhel (Balochistan), former secretary general and now estranged party leader Mushahid Hussain Sayed (Islamabad), Kamil Ali Agha (Punjab) and Rubina Irfan (also from Balochistan) will retire this year. Given the party position in all the four provincial legislatures and the National Assembly, it is unlikely that the PML-Q would win any seat in the Senate polls, but political experts believe that after the election of PML-Q’s man as Balochistan’s chief minister despite having a mere four members strength, the chances of the party’s getting one or two seats from the province cannot be ruled out. The term-wise data of PPP senators shows that almost 70 per cent of its members — the largest number belonging to a single party in the Senate — are set to retire this March. While the prospects for Mr Rabbani and Mr Haider to return to the Senate are bright due to the majority of the PPP in the Sindh Assembly, the party position in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa makes it difficult for Mr Ahsan and Mr Babar to be re-elected. Other PPP senators retiring in March are Mohammad Yousaf, Sardar Fateh Hasni, Nawabzada Saifullah Magsi and Rozi Kakar from Balochistan; Osman Saifullah Khan (Islamabad); Ahmad Hassan, Saifullah Bangash and Rubina Khalid (KP); Khalida Perveen (Punjab); Murtaza Wahab, Dr Karim Khawaja, Mukhtiar Dhamra, Sehar Kamran and Hari Ram (Sindh). The nine PML-N senators who will complete their term in March are Ishaq Dar, Nisar Muhammad Khan (KP); Zafarullah Dhandla, Saud Majeed, Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa, M Hamza, Dr Asif Kirmani, Nuzhat Sadiq, and Kamran Michael (Punjab). The PTI which has one senator is set to almost double its representation in the polls. Its only senator Azam Khan Swati was elected on a general seat from KP that fell vacant due to the death of ANP’s Azam Khan Hoti in April 2015. Four MQM senators retiring in March are the party’s parliamentary leader Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Nasreen Jalil, Dr Farogh Naseem and Maulana Tanveerul Haq Thanvi. The PML-F and BNP-A have chances to regain representation in the next Senate due to their party position in Balochistan and Sindh assemblies. Five ANP set to retire this year are Ilyas Ahmed Bilour, Shahi Syed and Baz Mohammad Khan from KP and Daud Achakzai and Zahida Khan from Balochistan. Sitara Ayaz, elected on a seat reserved for women, is the only ANP senator who will retire in 2021. Three JUI-F members retiring in March are Hafiz Hamdullah and Mufti Abdus Sattar from Balochistan, and Talha Mehmood from KP. No senator from Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), National Party (NP), BNP-Mengal and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) is retiring in March. Both PkMAP and NP have three members each whereas the BNP-M and JI have one member each in the Senate. Besides, five of the 10 independent senators completing their term this year are Mohsin Leghari, Hidayatullah, Hilalur Rehman, Malik Najamul Hassan and Saleh Shah (all from Fata). Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2018
Newspaper: Dawn
Newspaper Link: https://www.dawn.com/news/1386049

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday quashed rumours about the uncertain fate of the upcoming Senate polls by announcing that the election for 52 of the total 104 seats of the upper house of parliament would be held on March 3. While the schedule for the Senate elections is to be officially announced on Feb 2, the ECP in an unusual move provided to the media details of the schedule approved by it. According to the ECP, the returning officer will issue a public notice on Feb 3 inviting nomination papers which can be filed during office hours till Feb 6. After completing scrutiny of the nomination papers by Feb 9, a list of valid candidates will be issued on Feb 15. The candidates will be allowed to withdraw nominations by Feb 16. Fifty-two senators are set to complete their six-year term on March 11 and the newly elected senators will take oath of their office on March 12. Fifty-two new senators to be elected on March 3 The Senate comprises 104 members — 23 members from each of the four provinces, eight from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and four from Islamabad Capital Territory. Each province has 14 general and nine reserved seats. Among the reserved seats, four are reserved for women and an equal number of seats for technocrats while one seat is reserved for a non-Muslim community member. While the total term for a senator is six years, half of the senators retire after every three years. The Senate elections depend on the numerical strength of political parties in the national and provincial assemblies. Four of the provincial assemblies vote for their representatives. Senators from Islamabad are elected by the National Assembly, whereas Fata senators are elected by MNAs from Fata. A person seeking election to the Senate should not be less than 30 years of age and should be registered as a voter in an area or province from where he or she seeks election and should meet other qualifications prescribed under Article 62 of the Constitution. Prominent among those retiring on March 11 are incumbent Senate Chair­man Mian Raza Rabbani, defunct finance minister Ishaq Dar, leader of opposition in the Senate Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, PPP parliamentary leader Taj Haider, PTI parliamentary leader Azam Khan Swati and MQM parliamentary leader retired Col Tahir Hussain Mashhadi and spokesman for former president Asif Ali Zardari and a vocal senator known for candidly speaking on the issues others normally avoid, Farhatullah Babar. All four Pakistan Muslim League-Q senators, nine of the 27 PML-N senators, 18 of the 26 PPP senators, five of the six Awami National Party senators, four of the eight Muttahida Qaumi Movement senators, two Balochistan National Party-Awami senators, three of the five Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F senators, five of the 10 independent senators and one senator of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and PML-Functional each are set to retire on March 11 after completion of their six-year term. All the four PML-Q senators — the recently nominated parliamentary leader Saeedul Hassan Mandokhel (Balochistan), former secretary general and now estranged party leader Mushahid Hussain Sayed (Islamabad), Kamil Ali Agha (Punjab) and Rubina Irfan (also from Balochistan) will retire this year. Given the party position in all the four provincial legislatures and the National Assembly, it is unlikely that the PML-Q would win any seat in the Senate polls, but political experts believe that after the election of PML-Q’s man as Balochistan’s chief minister despite having a mere four members strength, the chances of the party’s getting one or two seats from the province cannot be ruled out. The term-wise data of PPP senators shows that almost 70 per cent of its members — the largest number belonging to a single party in the Senate — are set to retire this March. While the prospects for Mr Rabbani and Mr Haider to return to the Senate are bright due to the majority of the PPP in the Sindh Assembly, the party position in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa makes it difficult for Mr Ahsan and Mr Babar to be re-elected. Other PPP senators retiring in March are Mohammad Yousaf, Sardar Fateh Hasni, Nawabzada Saifullah Magsi and Rozi Kakar from Balochistan; Osman Saifullah Khan (Islamabad); Ahmad Hassan, Saifullah Bangash and Rubina Khalid (KP); Khalida Perveen (Punjab); Murtaza Wahab, Dr Karim Khawaja, Mukhtiar Dhamra, Sehar Kamran and Hari Ram (Sindh). The nine PML-N senators who will complete their term in March are Ishaq Dar, Nisar Muhammad Khan (KP); Zafarullah Dhandla, Saud Majeed, Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa, M Hamza, Dr Asif Kirmani, Nuzhat Sadiq, and Kamran Michael (Punjab). The PTI which has one senator is set to almost double its representation in the polls. Its only senator Azam Khan Swati was elected on a general seat from KP that fell vacant due to the death of ANP’s Azam Khan Hoti in April 2015. Four MQM senators retiring in March are the party’s parliamentary leader Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Nasreen Jalil, Dr Farogh Naseem and Maulana Tanveerul Haq Thanvi. The PML-F and BNP-A have chances to regain representation in the next Senate due to their party position in Balochistan and Sindh assemblies. Five ANP set to retire this year are Ilyas Ahmed Bilour, Shahi Syed and Baz Mohammad Khan from KP and Daud Achakzai and Zahida Khan from Balochistan. Sitara Ayaz, elected on a seat reserved for women, is the only ANP senator who will retire in 2021. Three JUI-F members retiring in March are Hafiz Hamdullah and Mufti Abdus Sattar from Balochistan, and Talha Mehmood from KP. No senator from Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), National Party (NP), BNP-Mengal and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) is retiring in March. Both PkMAP and NP have three members each whereas the BNP-M and JI have one member each in the Senate. Besides, five of the 10 independent senators completing their term this year are Mohsin Leghari, Hidayatullah, Hilalur Rehman, Malik Najamul Hassan and Saleh Shah (all from Fata). Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2018

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday directed all the prospective candidates to attach party tickets with their nomination papers for the upcoming Senate election at the time of their submission to the returning officer concerned. In a statement, the ECP said hat in case party ticket/certificate is not attached by the candidate at the time of submission of nomination papers, then, it must be produced at the time of scrutiny. However, the Commission clarified that the independent candidates do not require any such certificate.
Newspaper: The News
Newspaper Link: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/273027-upcoming-s…

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday directed all the prospective candidates to attach party tickets with their nomination papers for the upcoming Senate election at the time of their submission to the returning officer concerned. In a statement, the ECP said hat in case party ticket/certificate is not attached by the candidate at the time of submission of nomination papers, then, it must be produced at the time of scrutiny. However, the Commission clarified that the independent candidates do not require any such certificate.

ISLAMABAD: With the Supreme Court’s approval, the country’s biggest database manager has started working on the development of an integrated internet voting system aimed at extending the right of franchise to over seven million Pakistanis living abroad in time for the next general elections, according to a report by a private media outlet. According to a presentation given by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to the apex court on Wednesday, a three-tier electronic mechanism – named the Internet Voting System for Overseas Pakistanis – will be developed at a cost of Rs150 million and within a period of four months. The ECP would provide the required funds for the project. The three-tier internet voting mechanism includes voter registration and verification, vote casting procedures, and results compilation and audit. After the creation of a web portal, according to the plan, voters living abroad will register themselves as overseas voters. Upon entering the web portal, users will be asked to enter their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) number and other details. Once initial voter verification is completed, they would be interviewed through electronic means by representatives of the Election Commission of Pakistan. In case of a successful interview, the system would generate a ‘successful registration email’ to the overseas voter. They would then be issued a secure voter ID for polling day. On polling day in Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis would cast their vote as per their registration for i-voting as per electoral rolls. On polling day, overseas Pakistanis would log on to a website and enter their secret voter IDs, which will be communicated to overseas voters on polling day. After logging in, the voter would select a National Assembly or Provincial Assembly ballot option and select from a list of candidates for their constituency. The third and final phase of the process will cover result compilation and audit. An internet polling booth will be established in every constituency and returning officers will have access to e-voting results in each constituency at the end of polling time in Pakistan. The electronic system will be secured through a firewall, intrusion detection system, and intrusion prevention system. NADRA has suggested that it would provide technical training to ECP staff. After hearing all the details from NADRA officials about the proposed voting system, the chief justice of Pakistan observed that he was ready to contribute his three-month salary to develop that system that would cost around Rs150 million. The CJP also appreciated the efforts of NADRA in this regard.
Newspaper: Pakistan-Today
Newspaper Link: https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/01/25/nadra-…

ISLAMABAD: With the Supreme Court’s approval, the country’s biggest database manager has started working on the development of an integrated internet voting system aimed at extending the right of franchise to over seven million Pakistanis living abroad in time for the next general elections, according to a report by a private media outlet. According to a presentation given by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to the apex court on Wednesday, a three-tier electronic mechanism – named the Internet Voting System for Overseas Pakistanis – will be developed at a cost of Rs150 million and within a period of four months. The ECP would provide the required funds for the project. The three-tier internet voting mechanism includes voter registration and verification, vote casting procedures, and results compilation and audit. After the creation of a web portal, according to the plan, voters living abroad will register themselves as overseas voters. Upon entering the web portal, users will be asked to enter their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) number and other details. Once initial voter verification is completed, they would be interviewed through electronic means by representatives of the Election Commission of Pakistan. In case of a successful interview, the system would generate a ‘successful registration email’ to the overseas voter. They would then be issued a secure voter ID for polling day. On polling day in Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis would cast their vote as per their registration for i-voting as per electoral rolls. On polling day, overseas Pakistanis would log on to a website and enter their secret voter IDs, which will be communicated to overseas voters on polling day. After logging in, the voter would select a National Assembly or Provincial Assembly ballot option and select from a list of candidates for their constituency. The third and final phase of the process will cover result compilation and audit. An internet polling booth will be established in every constituency and returning officers will have access to e-voting results in each constituency at the end of polling time in Pakistan. The electronic system will be secured through a firewall, intrusion detection system, and intrusion prevention system. NADRA has suggested that it would provide technical training to ECP staff. After hearing all the details from NADRA officials about the proposed voting system, the chief justice of Pakistan observed that he was ready to contribute his three-month salary to develop that system that would cost around Rs150 million. The CJP also appreciated the efforts of NADRA in this regard.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has approved the schedule for the upcoming Senate elections which are likely to be held in the first week of March, quashing all rumours about a delay. Senators from four provinces, as well as the federal capital and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), will have their tenure expired on March 11 after completion of their six-year term in the upper house of the parliament. The election will be held for a similar number of seats in the four provincial assemblies. Earlier on Tuesday, the ECP issued a notification about the approval of the schedule of the Senate’s elections, saying another notification will be issued on February 2, 2018. Moreover, the ECP also announced the appointment of returning officers (ROs) and polling officers (POs) for this practice. Sources in the ECP have suggested that the election is likely to be held on March 3. It is crucial to note that the Senate comprises 104 members, in which 23 each are from four provinces, eight from FATA and four from Islamabad—the 23 seats allocated for each province comprise 14 general seats, four reserved for women, four for technocrats and one for a minority member. After the senators’ tenure is expired on March 11, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)—which has 27 seats in the upper house—will lose 18 senators, whereas the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)—which has 26 senators—will lose nine seats. On top of that, around five independent candidates will also complete their term, while the PML-Quaid will lose four seats. Furthermore, the tenure of four senators from the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) will also end, and three senators of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl will also retire. Two will retire from Balochistan National Party-Awami (BNP-A) and one each of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and PML-Functional. About 12 senators from Punjab are going to retire in March. Similarly, 12 senators are also retiring from Sindh. Of these, seven were elected on general seats, two on technocrat’s seats, two on women’s seat and on non-Muslim’s seat. About 11 senators each are retiring from Balochistan and KP in March. FATA’s four senators—Hidayatullah, Hilalur Rehman, Malik Najmul Hassan and Muhammad Saleh Shah—will retire in March. Lastly, Osman Saifullah Khan, who was elected to Islamabad’s general seat, and, Mushahid Hussain Syed, who was elected to technocrat seat, will also retire.
Newspaper: Pakistan-Today
Newspaper Link: https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/01/24/dispel…