The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially released the notice and announced schedule for the upcoming presidential election, set to take place on March 9.
“In pursuance of the provisions contained in paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 read with clauses (3) and (4) of Article 41 of the Constitution, Public Notification for election to the office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is hereby issued and in relation thereto the following programme for receipt of nomination papers, scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidature, publication of list of validly nominated candidates, retirement and the polling day,” read the notification issued today (Friday).
Nomination papers for candidates vying for the country’s highest constitutional position must be submitted by March 2 before noon to the presiding officers located in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta.
Scrutiny of the nomination papers by returning officers is scheduled for March 4, with the opportunity for candidature withdrawal the following day.
The ECP will then publish a list of validly nominated candidates on the same day, while March 6 has been designated as the date for the retirement of outgoing officials.
Presidential polling is slated for March 9, during which voting will take place at the National Assembly and all provincial assemblies from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The announcement of the election schedule marks a significant step in Pakistan’s democratic process, with anticipation building as the nation prepares to select its next head of state.
