ISLAMABAD: The Senate elections in Pakistan are reportedly scheduled to take place on April 3. The Election Commission has purportedly prepared a schedule for the Senate election, with polling expected to be conducted in the National Assembly and four provincial assemblies.
A total of 52 Senate members are set to retire on March 11 upon completing their six-year terms. The upcoming elections will fill 48 vacant seats in the Senate. The breakdown includes 12 senators each from Punjab and Sindh, four from FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas), 11 each from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and two senators from Islamabad.
Notably, the 25th constitutional amendment has altered the process for FATA, and elections will not be held for the four Senate vacancies in the region after its annexation with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Elected members from the national and provincial assemblies will participate in voting for the Senate election. The Senate’s tenure is six years, but elections are held every three years as one-half of the members retire after completing their terms.
The Senate elections in Pakistan are conducted in accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution. Each of the four provincial assemblies elects twenty-three members in the Senate elections, including fourteen on general seats, four on seats reserved for technocrats, four on seats reserved for women, and one on a seat reserved for non-Muslims. Additionally, four members, consisting of two on general seats, one technocrat (including Aalim), and one woman, are elected from the Federal Capital.
The Senate serves as a permanent legislative body, symbolizing continuity in national affairs. The term of its members is six years, with one-half of its members retiring every three years. In the case of a casual vacancy in the Senate, caused by resignation, death, incapacitation, disqualification, or removal of a member, the vacancy is filled through an election by the respective Electoral College. The member elected in this manner holds office for the unexpired term of the member whose vacancy they have filled.
To be eligible for election to the Senate, a person must be at least thirty years of age, registered as a voter in the area or province from which they seek election, and meet other qualifications prescribed under Article 62 of the Constitution.
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