The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finalized all preparations for the forthcoming nationwide Senate elections, which are slated to take place on April 2, according to a report by ARY News.
Polling is scheduled to occur in the National Assembly as well as in all four provincial assemblies, running from 9 am to 4 pm. In anticipation of the event, distinctive ballot papers have been printed in four different colors, symbolizing various categories of seats. White papers will represent general seats, green for technocrat seats, pink for women, and yellow for minority seats, as disclosed by ARY News.
The transportation of election materials to returning officers has been successfully executed, ensuring the seamless conduct of the electoral process. Returning officers have already issued the final list of candidates vying for the 48 vacant Senate seats.
These elections aim to fill 29 general seats, eight seats designated for women, nine seats for technocrats/Ulema, and two seats reserved for non-Muslims. A total of 147 candidates submitted their nomination papers for these vacant seats.
Of note, 18 candidates have been elected unopposed, including seven from Punjab’s general seats and others from Balochistan. However, the contest for the remaining 30 seats will occur on Tuesday, with 59 candidates vying for these positions.
Additionally, elections for one general and one technocrat seat from the federal capital, along with additional seats from various provinces, are also scheduled for April 2. This encompasses elections for women, technocrats/Ulema, and non-Muslim seats in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
However, there is a potential delay looming for the Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This could materialize if the Speaker of the KP Assembly fails to administer the oath to women and minority lawmakers-elect from the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) on the reserved seats, as cautioned by the electoral body.
Emphasizing the significance of these elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) highlighted that they aim to fill the seats left vacant by retiring senators, totaling 48 out of 52 senators who completed their terms and retired on March 12.
Furthermore, the recent release of a detailed code of conduct by the ECP underscores the commitment to ensuring transparency, integrity, and fairness in the electoral process. The code imposes stringent guidelines on political parties and candidates, urging them to refrain from engaging in corrupt or illegal activities and prohibiting any attempt to influence election outcomes with support from public office holders, as reported by ARY News.
In essence, the upcoming Senate elections in Pakistan represent a crucial milestone in the country’s democratic process. With meticulous planning and adherence to electoral guidelines, the Election Commission endeavors to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and facilitate the democratic expression of the will of the people.
