ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially stated that a circulating election schedule on social media is fake. In a Sunday statement, the ECP clarified that the authentic election schedule has not been issued yet, and any schedule shared online should be disregarded.
The commission emphasized that information not directly communicated by the Commission’s spokesperson should not be given credence.
The statement also addressed and rebutted a news item published in the Daily Jang regarding consultations over petitions filed in the Commission.
The false schedule purported that nomination papers would be filed between December 20 and 25, with the final list of candidates to be published on January 15, and election symbols allotted on January 17.
The actual election schedule, by law, must be issued at least 54 days before the polling day, which is set for February 8. With the clock ticking, the Commission has until December 16 to announce the official schedule. Earlier reports suggested a likely announcement on December 14.
ECP Renews Plea for Judicial Officers’ Appointment in Election Staffing
Meanwhile, in a final effort to ensure an adequate workforce for the upcoming polls, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has once again appealed to the judiciary, requesting the provision of judicial officers to serve as district returning officers and returning officers.
A senior ECP official revealed that the high courts of the four provinces previously declined to release their officers for the general elections scheduled for February 8. Despite this, the electoral body has decided to reiterate its request, seeking cooperation from the judiciary.
The official stated, “The situation regarding the appointment of district returning officers and returning officers will hopefully be clarified by Monday. If the judiciary declines again, officers from the district administration will be appointed for election duties, along with staff members from the commission.”
