ISLAMABAD: The process of obtaining and submitting nomination papers for candidates seeking to participate in the National and Provincial Assembly seats in the upcoming 2024 general elections is underway, with many candidates receiving nomination papers on Wednesday.
As outlined by the Election Commission’s schedule, candidates interested in contesting elections can acquire and submit their nomination papers between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm until December 22.
The initial list of candidates is slated for release on December 23, followed by the scrutiny of nomination papers scheduled from December 24 to December 30. Electoral symbols will be assigned to candidates on January 13, with the general elections set to be held on February 8.
The cost for obtaining nomination papers is fixed at Rs. 100, and each candidate is allowed to submit a maximum of five nomination papers, each with different endorsers. For those competing for a National Assembly seat, the non-refundable fee is Rs. 30,000, while candidates vying for a Provincial Assembly seat are required to pay a non-refundable fee of Rs. 20,000.
Mandatory Documents for Nomination Papers
Candidates must attach their income tax return documents from the past three years along with their nomination papers. The fundamental eligibility criteria include being a citizen of Pakistan and being at least 25 years old.
As per the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), individuals contesting National Assembly seats must be registered voters anywhere in Pakistan. To vie for a provincial assembly seat, the candidate must be a voter of the respective province.
Nomination papers must include an attested copy of the identity card and vote certificate of both the candidate recommender and endorser. A copy of the passport on behalf of the candidate should also be attached, and the nomination fee is to be deposited directly to the Returning Officer (RO) or through a Bank Draft.
Failure to comply with Articles 62 and 63 will result in the disqualification of a candidate. The proposer for general seats must be a voter from the relevant constituency. For women and non-Muslim seats in the National and Provincial Assembly, both proposers and seconders must be voters of the respective province. However, nominators and supporters of candidates for non-Muslim seats in the Assembly can be voters from any part of Pakistan.
