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  "id": "pk-code-0a3e518677d1bd6f",
  "title": "Elections Act, 2017",
  "source_collection": "Federal",
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  "source_url": "https://pakistancode.gov.pk/alpha/UY2FqaJw1-apaUY2Fqa-apaUY2Npa5pkag%3D%3D-sg-jjjjjjjjjjjjj",
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  "text": "Page \r\n1\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nTHE \r\nELECTION\r\nS\r\n \r\nACT, 2017\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCONTENTS\r\n \r\n           \r\n__________\r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER I  \r\n \r\nPRELIMINARY \r\n \r\n1.\r\n \r\nShort title, extent and commencement\r\n \r\n2.\r\n \r\nDefinitions\r\n \r\nCHAPTER II  \r\n \r\nELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN \r\n \r\n3. \r\n \r\nProcedure of the Commission\r\n \r\n4. \r\n \r\nPower to issue directions\r\n \r\n5. \r\n \r\nAssistance to the Commission\r\n \r\n6. \r\n \r\nDelegation of powers\r\n \r\n7. \r\n \r\nPower to requisition property\r\n \r\n8. \r\n \r\nPower of Commission to ensure fair election\r\n \r\n \r\n9. \r\n \r\nPower of the Commission to declare a poll void\r\n \r\n10. \r\n \r\nPower to punish for contempt\r\n \r\n11. \r\n \r\nExpenditure charged upon Federal Consolidated Fund\r\n \r\n12. \r\n \r\nMeasures for training and public awareness\r\n \r\n13. \r\n \r\nEstablishment of results management system\r\n \r\n14. \r\n \r\nAction Plan\r\n \r\n15. \r\n \r\nComplaints\r\n \r\n16. \r\n \r\nCommission to submit an annual report\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n2\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER III \r\n \r\nDELIMITATION OF CONSTITUENCIES \r\n \r\n17. \r\n \r\nCommission to delimit constituencies\r\n \r\n18. \r\n \r\nSeats in the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies\r\n \r\n19. \r\n \r\nDelimitation of constituencies\r\n \r\n20. \r\n \r\nPrinciples of delimitation\r\n \r\n21. \r\n \r\nReports of Commission and list of \r\nconstituencies\r\n \r\n22. \r\n \r\nPower of Commission to make amendment, alteration or modification in the final list of \r\n \r\nconstituencies\r\n \r\nCHAPTER IV \r\n \r\nELECTORAL ROLLS \r\n \r\n23. \r\n \r\nPreparation and computerization of electoral rolls\r\n \r\n24. \r\n \r\nAppointment of Registration Officers\r\n \r\n25. \r\n \r\nN\r\national Database and Registration Authority to transmit data\r\n \r\n26.\r\n \r\nPreparation of preliminary electoral rolls\r\n \r\n27. \r\n \r\nPlace of residence\r\n \r\n28. \r\n \r\nPreliminary publication\r\n \r\n29.\r\n \r\nAppointment of Revising Authorities\r\n \r\n30.\r\n \r\nPeriod for lodging claims and objections\r\n \r\n31.\r\n \r\nTransfer of name from one electoral area to another\r\n \r\n32.\r\n \r\nApplication by the Registration Officer for inclusion of name\r\n \r\n33.\r\n \r\nEnquiry into claims and objections\r\n \r\n34. \r\n \r\nCorrection of electoral rolls\r\n \r\n35.\r\n \r\nFinal publication\r\n \r\n36.\r\n \r\nPeriodical revision of electoral roll\r\n \r\n37. \r\n \r\nEnrolment and correction other than periodical revision\r\n \r\n38.\r\n \r\nPreparation of rolls afresh\r\n \r\n39.\r\n \r\nNo revision, correction or transfer after constituency called upon to elect\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n3\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n40. \r\n \r\nPower of the Commission to modify electoral roll\r\n \r\n41. \r\n \r\nMaintenance of electoral\r\n \r\nrolls\r\n \r\n42.\r\n \r\nDuration of the electoral rolls\r\n \r\n43.\r\n \r\nInformation regarding deaths\r\n \r\n44.\r\n \r\nSharing of information with National Database and Registration Authority\r\n \r\n45.\r\n \r\nEnrolment only once\r\n \r\n46.\r\n \r\nValidity of electoral rolls not affected by any mistake\r\n \r\n47.\r\n \r\nSpecial \r\nmeasures for enrolment of women voters\r\n \r\n48. \r\n \r\nEnrolment of non\r\n-\r\nMuslims etc\r\n \r\n48A. \r\n \r\nStatus of Ahmadis etc.  to remain unchanged\r\n \r\n49. \r\n \r\nDeparture from normal procedure in exceptional circumstances\r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER V \r\n \r\nCONDUCT OF ELECTIONS TO THE ASSEMBLIES \r\n \r\n50. \r\n \r\nAppointment of District Returning Officer\r\n \r\n51. \r\n \r\nAppointment of Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officers\r\n \r\n52. \r\n \r\nDates of appointments\r\n \r\n53.\r\n \r\nPresiding Officers and Polling Officers\r\n \r\n54.\r\n \r\nDuties of election offi\r\ncials\r\n \r\n55.\r\n \r\nDisciplinary proceedings\r\n \r\n56.\r\n \r\nOath by election officials\r\n \r\n57.\r\n \r\nNotification of Election Programme\r\n \r\n58. \r\n \r\nAlteration in Election Programme\r\n \r\n59.\r\n \r\nPolling stations\r\n \r\n60.\r\n \r\nNomination for election\r\n \r\n61. \r\n \r\nDeposits\r\n \r\n62. \r\n \r\nScrutiny\r\n \r\n63. \r\n \r\nAppeal against scrutiny order\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n4\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n6\r\n4. \r\n \r\nPublication of list of candidates\r\n \r\n65. \r\n \r\nWithdrawa\r\nl\r\n \r\n66.\r\n \r\nCandidate to file certificate of party affiliation\r\n \r\n6\r\n7\r\n.\r\n \r\nContested election\r\n \r\nand allotment of symbols\r\n \r\n68. \r\n \r\nList of contesting candidates\r\n \r\n69. \r\n \r\nOne day poll\r\n \r\n70.\r\n \r\nHours of the poll\r\n \r\n71.\r\n \r\nPrinting of \r\nballot papers\r\n \r\n72.\r\n \r\nRetirement from election\r\n \r\n72B. \r\n \r\nEffect of \r\nS\r\nection 72A\r\n \r\n73.\r\n \r\nDeath of a candidate after nomination\r\n \r\n74.\r\n \r\nPostponement under certain circumstances\r\n \r\n75.\r\n \r\nUncontested election\r\n \r\n76.\r\n \r\nElection agent\r\n \r\n77.\r\n \r\nPolling agent\r\n \r\n78.\r\n \r\nSupply of ballot boxes\r\n \r\n79.\r\n \r\nSuppl\r\ny of final electoral rolls\r\n \r\n80.\r\n \r\nSup\r\nply of ballot papers\r\n \r\n81.\r\n \r\nElection by secret ballot\r\n \r\n82. \r\n \r\nAdmission to the polling station\r\n \r\n83. \r\n \r\nMaintenance of order at the polling station\r\n \r\n84. \r\n \r\nVoting procedure\r\n \r\n85. \r\n \r\nTendered Ballot Papers\r\n \r\n86. \r\n \r\nChallenge of voters\r\n \r\n87. \r\n \r\nSpoi\r\nlt Ballot Papers\r\n \r\n88. \r\n \r\nStopping of the poll\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n5\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n89. \r\n \r\nVoting after close of poll\r\n \r\n90. \r\n \r\nPr\r\noceedings at the close of poll\r\n \r\n91.\r\n \r\n \r\nStatement about turnout of women voters\r\n \r\n92.\r\n \r\n \r\nAnnouncement of provisional results\r\n \r\n93.\r\n \r\n \r\nPostal ballot\r\n \r\n94.\r\n \r\n \r\nVoting by Overseas \r\nPakistanis\r\n \r\n95.\r\n \r\n \r\nConsolidation of results\r\n \r\n96.\r\n \r\n \r\nResealing of packets and supply of copies\r\n \r\n97.\r\n \r\n \r\nEquality of votes\r\n \r\n98.\r\n \r\n \r\nDeclaration of results\r\n \r\n99.\r\n \r\n \r\nDocuments to be retained by the Commission\r\n \r\n100.\r\n \r\n \r\nPublic inspection of documents\r\n \r\n101.\r\n \r\nOrder for production of doc\r\numents\r\n \r\n102.\r\n \r\n \r\nBye\r\n-\r\nelections\r\n \r\n103.\r\n \r\nElectronic voting and biometric verification\r\n \r\nCHAPTER VI \r\n \r\nELECTION TO RESERVED SEATS IN AN ASSEMBLY \r\n \r\n \r\n104.\r\n \r\nParty lists for reserved seats\r\n \r\n \r\n104A.\r\n \r\nConsent for joining of political party by independent returned \r\ncandidate to be irrevocable etc\r\n.\r\n \r\nCHAPTER VII \r\n \r\nCONDUCT OF ELECTION TO THE SENATE \r\n \r\n10\r\n5\r\n. \r\n \r\nReturning\r\n \r\nOfficers and Polling Officers\r\n \r\n106\r\n. \r\n \r\nFunctions of Returning Officer\r\n \r\n107\r\n.\r\n \r\nNotification for election\r\n \r\n108\r\n.\r\n \r\nSupply of list of voters\r\n \r\n109\r\n.\r\n \r\nPolling station\r\n \r\n110\r\n.\r\n \r\nNomination for election\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n6\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n111\r\n.\r\n \r\nDeposit\r\n \r\n112\r\n. \r\n \r\nScrutiny\r\n \r\n113\r\n. \r\n \r\nAppeal against scrutiny order\r\n \r\n114\r\n. \r\n \r\nPublication of list of candidates\r\n \r\n115\r\n. \r\n \r\nWithdrawal\r\n \r\n116\r\n. \r\n \r\nDeath of a candidate after nomination\r\n \r\n117\r\n. \r\n \r\nPostponement under certain circumstances\r\n \r\n11\r\n8\r\n. \r\n \r\nUncontested el\r\nection\r\n \r\n11\r\n9\r\n. \r\n \r\nContested election\r\n \r\n120\r\n. \r\n \r\nHours of poll\r\n \r\n12\r\n1\r\n. \r\n \r\nAdjourned poll\r\n \r\n122\r\n. \r\n \r\nVoting procedure\r\n \r\n123\r\n. \r\n \r\nPr\r\noceedings at the close of poll\r\n \r\n124\r\n. \r\n \r\nDeclaration of result of election\r\n \r\n125\r\n. \r\n \r\nAppeal against count\r\n \r\n126\r\n. \r\n \r\nCommission to have certain powers of a \r\ncourt\r\n \r\n127\r\n. \r\n \r\nCasual vacancy\r\n \r\n128\r\n. \r\n \r\nExtension of time for completion of election\r\n \r\n129\r\n. \r\n \r\nTerm of office\r\n \r\n130\r\n. \r\n \r\nVacancy in electoral college not to invalidate election\r\n \r\n131\r\n.\r\n \r\nDrawing of lots\r\n \r\nCHAPTER VIII \r\n \r\nELECTION EXPENSES AND STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES \r\n \r\n132. \r\n \r\nRe\r\nstriction on election expenses\r\n \r\n133. \r\n \r\nBank\r\n \r\naccount for election expenses\r\n \r\n134. \r\n \r\nReturn of election expenses\r\n \r\n135. \r\n \r\nInspection of returns\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n7\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n136. \r\n \r\nAction relating to election expenses\r\n \r\n137. \r\n \r\nSubmission of statement of assets and liabilities\r\n \r\n138. \r\n \r\nPublication of statement of assets and liabilities\r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER IX \r\n \r\nELECTION DISPUTES \r\n \r\n139. \r\n \r\nElection petition\r\n \r\n140. \r\n \r\nAppointment of Election Tribunals\r\n \r\n141. \r\n \r\nPowers of the Election Tribunal\r\n \r\n142. \r\n \r\nPresentat\r\nion of petition\r\n \r\n143. \r\n \r\nParties to the petition\r\n \r\n144. \r\n \r\nContents of petition\r\n \r\n145. \r\n \r\nProcedure before the Election Tribunal\r\n \r\n146. \r\n \r\nAppearance before Election Tribunal\r\n \r\n147. \r\n \r\nContents of reply\r\n \r\n148. \r\n \r\nProcedure before Election Tribunal for trial of petitions\r\n \r\n149. \r\n \r\nAmendment of peti\r\ntion\r\n \r\n150.\r\n \r\nPlace of trial\r\n \r\n151.\r\n \r\nPower to transfer petition\r\n \r\n152.\r\n \r\nAdvocate\r\n-\r\nGeneral to assist the Election Tribunal\r\n \r\n \r\n153.\r\n \r\nRecri\r\nmination where seat is claimed\r\n \r\n154.\r\n \r\nDec\r\nision of the Election Tribunal\r\n \r\n155.\r\n \r\n \r\nAppeal against decision of Election\r\n \r\nTribunal\r\n \r\n156.\r\n \r\nGround for declaring election of returned candidate void\r\n \r\n157. \r\n \r\nGround for declaring a person other than a returned candidate elected\r\n \r\n158. \r\n \r\nGround for decl\r\naring election as a whole void\r\n \r\n159. \r\n \r\nDecisio\r\nn in case of equality of votes\r\n \r\n160. \r\n \r\nOther provisions relating to the Election Tribunal\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n8\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n161. \r\n \r\nWithdrawal of petition\r\n \r\n162. \r\n \r\nAbatement on death of petitioner\r\n \r\n163.\r\n \r\nDea\r\nth or withdrawal of respondent\r\n \r\n164.\r\n \r\nFailure of petitioner to appear\r\n \r\n165.\r\n \r\nAdditional powers of Election Tribunal\r\n \r\n166.\r\n \r\nOrder as to \r\ncosts\r\n \r\nCHAPTER X \r\n \r\n \r\nOFFENCES, PENALTIES AND PROCEDURES \r\n \r\n167. \r\n \r\nCorrupt practice\r\n \r\n168.\r\n \r\nBribery\r\n \r\n169.\r\n \r\nPersonation\r\n \r\n170.\r\n \r\nUndue influence\r\n \r\n171.\r\n \r\nCapturing a polling station or polling booth\r\n \r\n172.\r\n \r\nTampering with papers\r\n \r\n173.\r\n \r\nMaking or publishing a false \r\nstatement or declaration\r\n \r\n174.\r\n \r\nPenalty for corrupt practice\r\n \r\n175.\r\n \r\nIllegal practice\r\n \r\n176.\r\n \r\nDisorderly conduct near polling station\r\n \r\n177.\r\n \r\nCanvassing in or near the polling station\r\n \r\n178.\r\n \r\nInterference with the secrecy of voting\r\n \r\n179.\r\n \r\nAdversely affecting the interests\r\n \r\nof candidate\r\n \r\n180.\r\n \r\nRegulation of publicity\r\n \r\n181.\r\n \r\nProhibition of annou\r\nncement of development schemes\r\n \r\n182.\r\n \r\nProhibition of public \r\nmeetings during certain period\r\n \r\n183.\r\n \r\nPenalty for illegal practice\r\n \r\n184.\r\n \r\nViolation of official duty in connection with \r\nelection\r\n \r\n185.\r\n \r\nFailure to maintain secrecy\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n9\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n186.\r\n \r\n \r\nOfficials not to influence voters\r\n \r\n187.\r\n \r\nAssistance by Government servant\r\n \r\n188.\r\n \r\nPenalty for violation of official duty in connection with election\r\n \r\n189.\r\n \r\nEnrollment as voter for more than once\r\n \r\n190.\r\n \r\nCognizance and \r\ntrial\r\n \r\n191. \r\n \r\nProsecution of offences by public officers\r\n \r\n192. \r\n \r\nCertain offences triable by Registration Officer\r\n \r\n193. \r\n \r\nCertain offences triable by authorized off\r\nicers\r\n \r\n194. \r\n \r\nPowers of a Police Officer\r\n \r\n195. \r\n \r\nInformation not to be divulged\r\n \r\n196. \r\n \r\nOffences \r\npunishable under Pakistan Penal Code\r\n \r\n197. \r\n \r\nCourt to report\r\n \r\nconvictions to the Commission\r\n \r\n198.\r\n \r\nPunishment not in derogation of any other liability\r\n \r\n199.\r\n \r\nProvisions of the Code to apply\r\n \r\nCHAPTER XI \r\n \r\n \r\nPOLITICAL PARTIES \r\n \r\n200.\r\n \r\nFormation of political \r\nparties\r\n \r\n201. \r\n \r\nConstitution of political parties\r\n \r\n202.\r\n \r\n \r\nEnlistment of political parties\r\n \r\n203.\r\n \r\nMembership of political parties\r\n \r\n204. \r\n \r\nMembership fee, contributions and donations\r\n \r\n205.\r\n \r\nSuspension or expulsion of a member\r\n \r\n206.\r\n \r\nSelection for elective offices\r\n \r\n207.\r\n \r\nF\r\nunctioning of a political party\r\n \r\n208.\r\n \r\nElections within a political party\r\n \r\n209.\r\n \r\nCertification by the political party\r\n \r\n210.\r\n \r\nInformat\r\nion about the sources of funds\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n10\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n211.  \r\n \r\nCampaign finance\r\n \r\n212. \r\n \r\nDissolution of a political party\r\n \r\n213. \r\n \r\nEffects of \r\ndissolution of political party\r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER XII \r\n \r\nALLOCATION OF SYMBOLS \r\n \r\n214.\r\n \r\nList of election symbols\r\n \r\n215.\r\n \r\nEligibility of party to obtain election symbol\r\n \r\n216.\r\n \r\nApplic\r\nation for allocation of symbol\r\n \r\n217.\r\n \r\nAllocation of symbols\r\n \r\n218.\r\n \r\nSymbol disputed by a political p\r\narty\r\n \r\nCHAPTER XIII \r\n \r\n \r\nCONDUCT OF ELECTIONS TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS \r\n \r\n219.\r\n \r\n \r\nC\r\nommission to conduct elections\r\n \r\n220. \r\n \r\nElectoral rolls\r\n \r\n221. \r\n \r\nDelimitation of l\r\nocal government constituencies\r\n \r\n222. \r\n \r\nAppoint\r\nment of Delimitation Committee\r\n \r\n223.  \r\n \r\nAppoint\r\nment of \r\nDelimitation Authority\r\n \r\n224.\r\n \r\nElection officials and polling stations\r\n \r\n225.\r\n \r\nAppeal against scrutiny order\r\n \r\n226. \r\n \r\nElection against reserved seats\r\n \r\n227.\r\n \r\nNotification of election and a vacancy\r\n \r\n228.\r\n \r\nBye\r\n-\r\nelections\r\n \r\n229.\r\n \r\nApplication of provisions to local \r\ngovernment election\r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER XIV \r\n \r\nCARETAKER GOVERNMENT \r\n \r\n230. \r\n \r\nFunctions of caretaker Government\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER XV \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n11\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nMISCELLANEOUS \r\n \r\n231.\r\n \r\nQualifications and disqualifications\r\n \r\n232.\r\n \r\nDisqualification on account of declaration by court \r\n \r\n233.\r\n \r\nCode of Conduct\r\n \r\n234.\r\n \r\nM\r\nonitoring of election campaign\r\n \r\n235.\r\n \r\nAbsence of candidates not to invalidate acts\r\n \r\n236.\r\n \r\nJurisdiction of courts barred\r\n \r\n237.\r\n \r\nProtection of actions taken in good faith\r\n \r\n238.\r\n \r\nElection observers\r\n \r\n239.\r\n \r\nPower to make rules\r\n \r\n240. \r\n \r\nRemoval of difficulties\r\n \r\n241.\r\n \r\nRepeal\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n12\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nTHE ELECTION\r\nS\r\n \r\nACT, 2017\r\n \r\n[2\r\nnd\r\n \r\nOctober, 2017]\r\n \r\n \r\nACT NO. XXXIII \r\nOF\r\n \r\n2017 \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nAn Act to amend, consolidate and unify laws relating to the conduct of elections.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nWHEREAS\r\n \r\nit is expedient to amend, consolidate and unify laws relating to the conduct of \r\nelections and matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nIt is hereby enacted as follows:\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER I  \r\n \r\nPRELIMINARY \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1.\r\n \r\nShort title, extent and commencement.\r\n—\r\n(1) \r\nThis Act may be called the Elections Act, \r\n2017. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nIt extends to the whole of Pakistan. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nIt shall come into force at once. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n2.\r\n \r\nDefinitions.\r\n—\r\nIn this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\n“\r\na\r\nalim\r\n’’\r\n \r\nmeans a Muslim scholar who\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nholds a degree or a \r\nsanad\r\n \r\nrequiring conclusion of at least sixteen years \r\nof education recognized by the Higher Education Commission; and  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nhas at least twenty years‘ experience as a teacher or researcher in fields \r\nrelating to the principles and philosophy of Islam and Islamic law; \r\n \r\n1\r\n[(ia) \r\n \r\n“accredited” means authorized by the Commission;]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\n“\r\napplicable local government law\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans an Act of \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament) or of a Provincial Assembly for establishment of a local \r\ngovernment and includes an Ordinance;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\n“\r\nArticle\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans Article of the Constitution;  \r\n \r\n \r\n(iv)\r\n \r\n“\r\nAssembly\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans the National Assembly or a Provincial Assembly; \r\n \r\n \r\n(v)\r\n \r\n“\r\na\r\nsset\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans any property owned or held by a candidate or a Member\r\n \r\n1\r\n[, his \r\nspouse and dependent children]\r\n;  \r\n \r\n \r\n(vi)\r\n \r\n“\r\nbye\r\n-\r\nelection\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans an election to fill a casual vacancy;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.2.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n13\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(vii)\r\n \r\n“\r\nc\r\nandidate\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a person proposed and seconded as a candidate for, or \r\nseeking, election as a Member; \r\n \r\n \r\n(viii)\r\n \r\n“\r\nCode\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898);\r\n \r\n \r\n(ix)\r\n \r\n“\r\nCommission\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans the Election Commission of Pakistan constituted under \r\nArticle 218; \r\n \r\n \r\n(x)\r\n \r\n“\r\nCommissioner\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans the Chief \r\nElection\r\n \r\nCommissioner\r\n \r\nappointed under \r\nArticle \r\n213 and includes an Acting Chief Election Commissioner appointed \r\nunder Article 217;  \r\n \r\n \r\n(xi)\r\n \r\n“\r\nc\r\nonstituency\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a constituency delimited under this Act;\r\n \r\n \r\n(xii)\r\n \r\n“\r\nConstitution\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan;\r\n \r\n \r\n(xiii)\r\n \r\n“\r\ncontesting candidate\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a validly nominated candidate who has not \r\nwithdrawn his candidature; \r\n \r\n \r\n(xiv)\r\n \r\n“\r\nelection agent\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a person appointed by a candidate as his election agent \r\nunder this Act,\r\n \r\nand, where no such appointment is made, the\r\n \r\nc\r\nandidate acting \r\nas his own election agent;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xv)\r\n \r\n“\r\nelection expenses\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans any expenditure incurred before, during and after an \r\nelection or payment made, whether by way of gift, loan, advance, deposit or \r\notherwise,\r\n \r\nfor the arrangement, conduct or benefit of, or in connection with or \r\nincidental to the election of a candidate, including the expenditure on account \r\nof issuing circulars or publications but does not include the deposit made under \r\nsection 61 or section 111\r\n; \r\n \r\n \r\n(xvi)\r\n \r\n“\r\nelectoral area\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nin rural areas, a village or a census block;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nin urban areas,\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nI.\r\n \r\nwhere there is a municipal ward or census block, such ward or \r\n         \r\ncensus block;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nII.\r\n \r\nwhere there is no municipal ward or a census block, a well\r\n-\r\ndefined \r\nMohallah\r\n \r\nor a street;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nIII.\r\n \r\nwhere the ward or census block, \r\nMohallah\r\n \r\nor street is too big, a \r\nwell\r\n-\r\ndefined part thereof:  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that a census block shall not be divided except in\r\n \r\nexceptional circumstances for \r\nreasons to be recorded; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n14\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nsuch other area as may be determined by the Commission;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xvii)\r\n \r\n“\r\nelection observer\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a person \r\nauthorized by the Commission to \r\nobserve \r\nthe conduct of an election;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xviii)\r\n \r\n“\r\nelection official\r\n”\r\n \r\nincludes an officer or official of the Commission, a District \r\nReturning Officer, a Returning Officer, an Assistant Returning Officer, a \r\nPresiding Officer, an Assistant Presiding Officer, a Polling Officer or any \r\nofficer or official of law enforcing agency\r\n \r\nor other agencies or any other official \r\nappointed or deputed to perform duties in connection with an election; \r\n \r\n \r\n(xix)\r\n \r\n“\r\nElection Programme\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans an Election Programme notified by \r\nthe \r\nCommission under this Act; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xx)\r\n \r\n“\r\nelectoral roll\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans an electoral roll prepared, revised or corrected under this \r\nAct and includes the electoral rolls prepared under the Electoral Rolls Act 1974 \r\n(XXI of 1974), existing immediately before the commencement of this Act; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxi)\r\n \r\n“\r\nForm\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a Form appended to \r\nthis Act; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxii)\r\n \r\n“\r\nGovernment\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans the Federal Government and\r\n \r\nany \r\nGovernment ‘means\r\n \r\nthe \r\nFederal Government, a Provincial Government or a local government; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxiii)\r\n \r\n“\r\ngovernment dues and utility expenses\r\n”\r\n \r\ninclude rent, charges of rest houses or \r\nlodges or other accomm\r\nodation owned by any Government or a body owned or \r\ncontrolled by any Government but shall not include the government dues and \r\nutility expenses the recovery of which has been stayed by any order of a court; \r\nor tribunal; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxiv)\r\n \r\n“\r\nloan\r\n”\r\n, means any loan, advance, c\r\nredit or finance obtained or written off on or \r\nafter 31st December, 1985 but shall not include the loan the recovery of which \r\nhas been stayed by a court or tribunal; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxv)\r\n \r\n“\r\nlocal government\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a local government, by whatever name \r\ncalled, \r\nestablished by law; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxvi)\r\n \r\n“\r\nMember\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans member of an Assembly, the Senate or a local \r\ngovernment; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxvii)\r\n \r\n“\r\nNational Database and Registration Authority\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans the National \r\nDatabase \r\nand Registration Authority cons\r\ntituted under the National Database and \r\nRegistration Authority Ordinance, 2000 (VIII of 2000); \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxviii)\r\n \r\n“\r\npolitical party\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans an association of citizens or a combination \r\nor group of \r\nsuch associations formed with a view to propagating or influencing political \r\no\r\npinion and participating in elections for any elective public office or for \r\nmembership of a legislative body, including an Assembly, the Senate, or local \r\ngovernment;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n15\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxix)\r\n \r\n“\r\npopulation\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans the population in accordance with the last \r\npreceding census \r\nofficia\r\nlly published; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxx)\r\n \r\n“\r\nprescribed\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans prescribed by the Rules; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxxi)\r\n \r\n“\r\nPresiding Officer\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a Presiding Officer appointed under this \r\nAct for a \r\npolling station and includes an Assistant Presiding Officer performing the \r\nfunctions of a Presiding Officer; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxxii)\r\n \r\n“\r\np\r\nrovisional\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans unofficial and not final; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxxiii)\r\n \r\n“\r\nRegistration Officer\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a Registration Officer appointed \r\nunder this Act \r\nand includes an Assistant Registration Officer performing the functions of a \r\nRegistration Officer;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxxiv)\r\n \r\n“\r\nreturned candidate\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a candidate who has been declared elected as a \r\nMember under this Act; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxxv)\r\n \r\n“\r\nRevising Authority\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a person appointed under this Act to \r\nhear and \r\ndispose of claims and objections and applications for corrections  relating to the \r\nelectoral rolls; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxxvi)\r\n \r\n“\r\nRules\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans rules made under this Act; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxxvii)\r\n \r\n“\r\nsection\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a section of this Act; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xxxviii\r\n)\r\n“\r\ntax\r\n”\r\n \r\nincludes a tax levied by any Government, but shall not include taxes the \r\n   \r\nrecovery of which has been stayed by a court or tribunal; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xx\r\nx\r\nix) \r\n“\r\ntechnocrat\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a person who\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nholds a degree requiring conclusion of at least sixteen years of education \r\nrecognized by the Higher Education Commission; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nhas at least twenty years of \r\n1\r\n[post\r\n-\r\nqualification] \r\nexperience including a \r\nrecord of achievement at the national or international level; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xl)\r\n \r\n“\r\nvalidly nominated candidate\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans \r\na\r\n \r\ncandidate\r\n \r\nwhose nomination paper has \r\nbeen accepted; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(xli)\r\n \r\n“\r\nvoter\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nin relation to an Assembly or a local \r\ngovernment, a person who is \r\nenrolled as a voter on the electoral roll of any electoral area in a \r\nconstituency; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nin relation to the Senate, a person who\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.2.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n16\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nI.\r\n \r\nfor election to a seat from a Province, is a \r\nMember of the \r\nProvincial Assembly;\r\n \r\n1\r\n[and]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nII.\r\n \r\nfor election to seats from the Islamabad Capital Territory, is a \r\n    \r\nMember of the National Assembly\r\n \r\n1\r\n[.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nIII.\r\n \r\n1\r\n[*\r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n*]\r\n \r\nCHAPTER II  \r\n \r\nELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n3. Procedure of the Commission.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) In the performance of its functions, and duties and \r\nexercise of its powers, the Commission shall regulate its own procedure. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission may exercise its powers and perform its functions even if the office of \r\nany member of the Commission is vacant or any of the members is, for any reason, unable to attend \r\nthe proceedings of the Commission, and the decision of the majority of \r\nthe members shall have the \r\neffect of the decision of the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nIf, upon any matter requiring a decision of the Commission, there is difference of opinion \r\namongst its members, the opinion of the majority shall prevail and the decision of the Co\r\nmmission \r\nshall be expressed in terms of the opinion of the majority: \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\nProvided that\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nwhere the members attending the proceedings of the Commission are \r\nfour and they are equally divided in their opinion; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nwhere the members attending the proceedi\r\nngs of the Commission are \r\nthree and there is difference of opinion amongst them; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nthe matter shall be placed for decision before the full Commission, comprising all its members. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n  \r\n(4) In this s\r\nection and section 6, the term ‘\r\nmember of the Commission\r\n’ \r\nincludes the \r\nCommissioner. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n4.\r\n \r\nPower to issue directions.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall have the power to issue such \r\ndirections or orders as may be necessary for the performance of its functions and duties, including an \r\norder for doing complete justice in any matter pending before it and an order for the purpose of \r\nse\r\ncuring the attendance of any person or the discovery or production of any document.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nAny such direction or order shall be enforceable throughout Pakistan and shall be executed \r\nas if it had been issued by the High Court. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nAnything required to b\r\ne done for carrying out the purposes of this Act, for which no \r\nprovision or no sufficient provision exists, shall be done by such authority and in such manner as the \r\nCommission may direct.  \r\n \r\n1\r\nAdded, subs., and omitted by \r\nAct No. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.2.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n17\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n5.\r\n \r\nAss\r\nistance to the Commission.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commissioner or the Commission may require \r\nany person or authority to perform such functions or render such assistance for the purposes of this \r\nAct as he or it may direct. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nIt shall be the duty of all executive authorities in the Federation a\r\nnd in the Provinces to \r\nrender such assistance to the Commissioner and the Commission in the discharge of his or its functions \r\nas may be required by the Commissioner or the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Federal Government and each Provincial Government shall make \r\navailable to the \r\nCommission such staff as it may require for the performance of its functions under this Act: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that where the Commission decides to utilize the services of serving judicial officers, \r\nit may do so in consultation with the \r\nChief Justice of the High Court concerned.\r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nAfter the Election Programme has been issued and till the publication of the names of the \r\nreturned candidates in the official Gazette, any Government or authority shall not post or transfer any \r\nofficial app\r\nointed or deputed in connection with an election without prior approval in writing of the \r\nCommission, including posting or transfer the decision in respect whereof has not been implemented, \r\nand the Commission may itself issue necessary directions to any su\r\nch Government or authority for the \r\nposting or transfer of any official. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n6.\r\n \r\nDelegation of powers.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission may authorize the Commissioner or any of \r\nits members or any of the officers of the Commission to exercise and perform any of its powers \r\nand \r\nfunctions under this Act. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commissioner shall exercise powers relating to the appointment of officers and staff \r\nto be employed in connection with the functions of the Commission and determine their terms and \r\nconditions of employment in accord\r\nance with the Rules. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Commissioner shall constitute benches comprising \r\n1\r\n[\r\nt\r\nwo]\r\n \r\nor more members of the \r\nCommission to hear and decide complaints, applications, petitions or appeals filed before it under this \r\nAct.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe decision of a Bench constituted under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (3) shall be deemed to be a decision \r\nof the Commission except where due to difference of opinion among members of the bench, the matter \r\nis required to be placed before the full Commission for decision u\r\nnder section 3. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n7.\r\n \r\nPower to requisition property.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) A Provincial Government, deputy commissioner, \r\npolitical agent or head of district administration, by whatever name called, shall, upon a request made \r\nin this behalf by the Commission, requisition \r\na vehicle, vessel or other means of transportation as is \r\nneeded or is likely to be needed for the purpose of transporting to and from any polling station ballot \r\nboxes or other election material or any officer or other person engaged for the performance of \r\nany duty \r\nin connection with an election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nA Provincial Government, deputy commissioner, political agent or head of district \r\nadministration, by whatever name called, shall not requisition a vehicle, vessel or other means of \r\ntransportation which is bei\r\nng used by a candidate or his election agent for any purpose connected with \r\nthe election of such candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo.\r\n \r\nII\r\n \r\nof 201\r\n9\r\n, by s.\r\n \r\n2\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n18\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nAny person authorized in this behalf by the Provincial Government may take possession \r\nof a vehicle, vessel or other means of \r\ntransportation r\r\nequisitioned under sub\r\n-\r\nsection \r\n(1) and may for \r\nthat purpose use such force, including police force, as may be reasonably necessary. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nWhere any vehicle, vessel or other means of transp\r\nortation is requisitioned under\r\n \r\nsub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), th\r\nere shall be paid to the owner thereof compensation the amount of which shall be \r\ndetermined by the Provincial Government or the officer requisitioning the vehicle, vessel or other \r\nmeans of transportation on the basis of the fares and rates prevailing in th\r\ne locality for its hire. \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nWhere the owner of the vehicle, vessel or other means of transportation, being aggrieved \r\nby the amount of compensation so determined makes an application to the Provincial\r\n \r\nGovernment \r\nwithin a period of thirty days from the \r\ndate the amount has been determined, for the matter being \r\nreferred to an arbitrator agreed upon by the parties, the amount of compensation to be paid shall be \r\nsuch as the arbitrator appointed in this behalf by the Provincial Government may determine.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n8.\r\n \r\nPower of Commission to ensure fair election.\r\n—\r\n \r\nSave as otherwise provided, the \r\nCommission may\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nstop the polls at one or more polling stations at any stage of the election \r\nif it is convinced that it shall not be able to ensure the conduct of the \r\nelection \r\njustly, fairly and in accordance with law due to large scale \r\nmalpractices, including coercion, intimidation and pressures, prevailing \r\nat the election; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nreview an order passed by an officer under this Act or the Rules, \r\nincluding rejection of a ballot paper; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nissue such instructions, exercise such powers and make such \r\nconsequential orders as may in its opinion, be necessary for ensuring \r\nthat an electi\r\non is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance \r\nwith the provisions of this Act and the Rules. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n9.\r\n \r\nPower of the Commission to declare a poll void.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Notwithstanding anything \r\ncontained in this Act, if, from facts apparent on the face of th\r\ne record and after such enquiry as it may \r\ndeem necessary, the Commission is satisfied that by reason of grave illegalities or such violations of \r\nthe provisions of this Act or the Rules as have materially affected the result of the poll at one or more \r\npolli\r\nng stations or in the whole constituency including implementation of an agreement restraining \r\nwomen from casting their votes, it shall make a declaration accordingly and call upon the voters in the \r\nconcerned polling station or stations or in the whole cons\r\ntituency as the case may be, to recast their \r\nvotes in the manner provided for bye\r\n-\r\nelections. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation\r\n.\r\n—\r\n \r\nIf the turnout of women voters is less than ten percent of the total votes polled \r\nin a constituency, the Commission may presume that the women vo\r\nters have been restrained through \r\nan agreement from casting their votes and may declare, polling at one or more  polling stations or \r\nelection in the whole constituency, void.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n19\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nNotwithstanding the powers conferred on it by sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Commission may order \r\nfiling of complaint under this Act before a court of competent jurisdiction against persons who entered \r\ninto the agreement referred to in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nNotwit\r\nhstanding the publication of the name of a returned candidate under section 98, the \r\nCommission may exercise the powers conferred on it by sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) before the expiration of sixty \r\ndays after such publication; and, where the Commission does not finally\r\n \r\ndispose of a case within the \r\nsaid period, the election of the returned candidate shall be deemed to have become final, subject to the \r\ndecision of an Election Tribunal on an election petition, if any. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nWhile exercising the powers conferred on it by sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Commission shall be \r\ndeemed to be an Election Tribunal to which an election petition has been presented and shall, \r\nnotwithstanding anything contained in Chapter IX, regulate its own procedu\r\nre. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nAny person aggrieved by a declaration of the Commission under this section may, within \r\nthirty days of the declaration, prefer an appeal to the Supreme Court. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n10. \r\nPower to punish for contempt.\r\n—\r\n \r\nThe Commission may exercise the same power as the\r\n \r\nHigh Court to punish any person for contempt of court and the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003 \r\n \r\n(V of 2003), or any other law pertaining to contempt of court shall have effect accordingly as if \r\nreference there\r\nin to a \r\n“\r\ncourt\r\n”\r\n \r\nand to a \r\n“\r\njudge\r\n”\r\n \r\nwere a refer\r\nence, r\r\nespectively, to the \r\n“\r\nCommission\r\n”\r\n \r\nand the \r\n“\r\nCommissioner\r\n”\r\n \r\nor, as the case may be, a member of the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n11. \r\nExpenditure charged upon Federal Consolidated Fund.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1\r\n)\r\n \r\nThe remuneration \r\npayable to the Commissioner, members and other officers and \r\nstaff of the Commission and all \r\nadministrative expenses and other expenditure relating to the Commission shall be expenditure \r\ncharged upon the Federal Consolidated Fund, within the meaning of Article 81. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Subject to the provisions relating to audit and applicable laws and rules, the Commissioner \r\nshall have full financial powers to sanction and incur expenditure within the approved budgetary \r\nallocation, including creation of posts. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n12.\r\n \r\nMeasures for training and public awareness.\r\n—\r\nThe Commission shall, from ti\r\nme to time \r\nas it may deem fit,\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nconduct training programs for election officials including officials of the \r\nCommission, any Government or corporations, and autonomous or \r\nsemi\r\n-\r\nautono\r\nmous bodies controlled by any of these Governments and \r\nofficers from the judiciary, if any, deputed or selected in connection with \r\nan election in accordance with procedure laid down under this Act or the \r\nRules; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nadvise public authorities, educational and\r\n \r\ntraining institutions regarding \r\nprogrammes and measures to promote dissemination of knowledge \r\nregarding electoral laws and best practices; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n20\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nconduct public awareness programmes and media campaigns, regarding \r\nthe importance of maximum voter enrolment and \r\nparticipation in\r\n \r\nelections, especially by women\r\n \r\n1\r\n[non\r\n-\r\nMuslims, d\r\nisabled person and \r\ntransgender], \r\ndissemination of information regarding procedure of \r\ncasting vote, and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the \r\nelectoral process; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nexamine laws\r\n, rules and regulations in force which are relevant to the \r\nconduct of elections and recommend to the Federal Government \r\namendments in such laws, rules or regulations, as the case may be, in \r\norder to increase transparency and fairness and eliminate corrupt \r\npractices. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n13.\r\n \r\nEstablishment of results management \r\nsystem.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commissio\r\nn shall establish a \r\ntransparent \r\nresults management system for expeditious counting,\r\n \r\ntabulation, compilation,\r\n \r\ntransmission, dissemination and publication of results in the official Gazette and on the website of the \r\nCommission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(2) The Presiding Officer shall immediately take snapshot of the result of the count and, as \r\nsoon as connectivity is available and it \r\nis practicable, send it electronically or through other appropriate \r\ntechnologies to the Commission and the Returning Officer before sending the original documents \r\nunder section 90:\r\n \r\nProvided that in case connectivity is not available and it is not practicab\r\nle to send the results \r\nelectronically or through other appropriate technologies, the Presiding Officer shall immediately \r\nproceed physically with the results to the Returning Officer as provided in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (18) of section \r\n90.\r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Returning \r\nOfficer shall compile the complete provisional results as early as possible \r\nand shall communicate these results electronically to the Commission:\r\n \r\nProvided that if, for any reason, the results are incomplete by 02:00 a.m. on the day \r\nimmediately following th\r\ne polling day, the Returning Officer shall communicate to the Commission \r\nprovisional results as consolidated till that time along with reasons for the delay, in writing, while \r\nlisting the polling stations from which results are awaited and thereafter shall\r\n \r\nsend the complete \r\nprovisional results as soon as compiled but not later than 10:00 a.m.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall electronically send to the Commission\r\n—\r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nscanned copy of the provisional results compiled under sub\r\n-\r\nsection \r\n(3); \r\nand \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nscanned co\r\npies of the Consolidated Statement of the Results of the \r\nCount, Final Consolidated Result together with Results of the Count and \r\nthe Ballot Paper Accounts, as received by him from the Presiding \r\nOfficers under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (18) of section 90. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns.\r\n \r\nand subs.\r\n \r\nby Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s\r\ns\r\n.3\r\n-\r\n4\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n21\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall also send to the Commission original copies of documents \r\nmentioned in sub\r\n-\r\nsections (3) and (4) through special messenger or any other swift means of \r\ncommunication including urgent mail service or courier service, as may be direc\r\nted by the \r\nCommission. \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nThe Commission shall publish the documents received under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (3) along with \r\ngender disaggregated data of turnout on its website\r\n \r\n1\r\n[as early as possible]\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n14.\r\n \r\nAction Plan.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall, at least four mon\r\nths before the general election \r\nis due to be held on expiry of the term of an Assembly, prepare a comprehensive Action Plan specifying \r\nall legal and administrative measures that have been taken or required to be taken in respect of the \r\nelection, including \r\nthe following\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\ndelimitation of constituencies; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nrevision of electoral rolls; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nenlistment of political parties; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nallocation of symbols; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nappointment and training of District Returning Officers, Returning \r\nOfficers, Assistant Returning \r\nOfficers, Presiding Officers, Assistant\r\n \r\nPresiding Officers, Polling Officers and other election officials;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\npreparation of constituency\r\n-\r\nwise list of polling stations and list of \r\npolling personnel; \r\n \r\n \r\n(g)\r\n \r\ndetermination and printing of requisite number of ballot\r\n \r\npapers and \r\ndesignation of printing presses;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(h)\r\n \r\nestablishment of a transparent result management system for election \r\nresults; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nintroduction of any new technology; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(j)\r\n \r\narrangements for election observers; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(k)\r\n \r\nappointment of the Appellate and Election Tribunals;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(l)\r\n \r\nsecurity measures; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(m)\r\n \r\nmonitoring mechanism to report progress regarding implementation of \r\nthe Action Plan. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act N\r\no.\r\n \r\nXLIV\r\n \r\nof 2023, s.\r\n \r\n4.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n22\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission shall carry out a post\r\n-\r\nelection review of implementation of the Action \r\nPlan to ascertain shortcomings, if any, with suggestions to further improve the electoral system. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Commission shall include the post\r\n-\r\nelection review in its next\r\n \r\nannual report under \r\nsection 16 and publish it on its website. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n15.\r\n \r\nComplaints.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Any person aggrieved by any decision or action taken or direction \r\nissued by an authority subordinate to the Commission or any action of a political party or a candidate\r\n \r\nin violation of the Code of Conduct may, within \r\n1\r\n[seven]\r\n \r\ndays of such decision or action, submit a \r\ncomplaint to the Commission pertaining to matters other than relating to election disputes falling under \r\nArticle 225.   \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission may refer the \r\ncomplaint received under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) to such authority \r\nas it may deem appropriate for enquiry and report. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Commission may, on receipt of enquiry report or after hearing the complainant and any \r\nother person relevant to the proceedings itself a\r\nnd holding a summary enquiry, pass such orders as it \r\nmay deem fit within thirty days from the date of receipt of the complaint\r\n \r\n1\r\n[:]\r\n \r\n1\r\n[Provided that the Commission shall, before the day of polling, make every effort to decide a \r\ncomplaint received prior to t\r\nhat day.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe Commission may also act under this section on its own accord. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nThe Commission shall publish the order passed under sub\r\n-\r\nsection \r\n(3) on its website. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n16.\r\n \r\nCommission to submit an annual report.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall, within ninety days \r\nafter the end of every calendar year, publish a report of its activities for the year and send the report to \r\nthe Federal Government and each Provincial Government. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Federal Government and each Provinci\r\nal Government shall, within sixty days from the \r\nreceipt of the annual report from the Commission, lay the annual report in each House of \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament) and each Provincial Assembly. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nImmediately after the annual report is laid in any Ho\r\nuse of \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament), \r\nthe Commission shall publish the annual report on its website. \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER III \r\n \r\nDELIMITATION OF CONSTITUENCIES \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n17.\r\n \r\nCommission to delimit constituencies.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall delimit territorial \r\nconstituencies for elections to the National Assembly, each Provincial Assembly and to the local \r\ngovernments in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, this Act, the Rules and the \r\napplicable local go\r\nvernment law. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. and added by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n5.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n23\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Commission shall delimit constituencies after every census officially published. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n18.\r\n \r\nSeats in the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies.\r\n—\r\n(1) There shall be seats in \r\nthe National Assembly allocated to each Province, Islamabad Capital Territory, \r\n1\r\n[* * *] \r\nand seats \r\nreserved for women and non\r\n-\r\nMuslims, as specified in Article 51. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) There shall be seats in each Provincial Assembly consisting of general seats and seats \r\nreserved for women and non\r\n-\r\nMuslims, as specified in Article 106. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n19.\r\n \r\nDelimitation of constituencies.\r\n—\r\n(1) For the purpose of election to the National \r\nAssembly, t\r\nhe Commission shall divide\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\neach Province into as many separate territorial constituencies as the \r\nnumber of general seats allocated to that Province in Article 51; and \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[(b) \r\n \r\nIslamabad Capital Territory \r\ninto as many separate territorial \r\nconstituencies as the number of general seats allocated thereto in \r\nArticle 51.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nA Province shall be a single constituency for all seats reserved for women which are \r\nallocated to each Province in Article 51. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe constituency for all seats rese\r\nrved for non\r\n-\r\nMuslims in the National Assembly shall be \r\nthe whole country. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nFor the purpose of election to Provincial Assemblies, the Commission shall divide each \r\nProvince into as many separate territorial constituencies as the number of general seats specified in \r\nArticle 106.  \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nThe constituencies for the seats reserved for wo\r\nmen and \r\nnon\r\n-\r\nMuslims\r\n \r\nin the Provincial \r\nAssemblies shall be such that each Province forms one constituency with as many such seats as are \r\nallocated to that Province in Article 106.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nFor the purpose of election to the local governments, the Commission \r\nshall carry out \r\ndelimitation with due regard to the applicable local government law. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n20.\r\n \r\nPrinciples of delimitation.\r\n—\r\n(1) All constituencies for general seats shall, as far as \r\npracticable, be delimited having regard to the distribution of population in \r\ngeographically compact \r\nareas, physical features, existing boundaries of administrative units, facilities of communication and \r\npublic convenience and other cognate factors to ensure homogeneity in the creation of constituencies. \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\n1\r\n[*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*]\r\n \r\n2\r\n[(2A). For the purpose of delimiting constituencies, for the general seats of the Provincial \r\nAssembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Tribal Areas two or more separate areas may be grouped into \r\none constituency for their elections to be held in 2019 and Bye\r\n-\r\nelections related thereto and thereafte\r\nr \r\nthis sub\r\n-\r\nsection shall stand o\r\nmitted.]\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nOmitted and subs. by Act \r\nNo. XLIV of 2023, ss. \r\n6\r\n-\r\n8\r\n.\r\n \r\n2\r\nI\r\nns. by Act \r\nNo.\r\n \r\nIV\r\n \r\nof 201\r\n9\r\n, by s.\r\n2\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n24\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(\r\n3\r\n) \r\nAs far as possible, variation in population of constituencies of an \r\nAssembly or a local\r\n \r\ngovernment shall not ordinarily exceed ten percent\r\n \r\n1\r\n[:]\r\n \r\n1\r\n[Provided that for this purpose, it shall not be necessary to strictly adhere to the existing district \r\nboundaries in exceptional cases.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(\r\n4\r\n) \r\nIf the limit of ten percent under su\r\nb\r\n-\r\nsection (3) is exceeded in an exceptional case, the \r\nCommission shall record reasons thereof in the delimitation order.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n21.\r\n \r\nReports of Commission and list of constituencies.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) For the purpose of delimiting \r\nconstituencies, the Commission may recei\r\nve and consider representations, hold inquiries, summon \r\nwitnesses and record evidence, and shall prepare and publish in the official Gazette a preliminary \r\nreport and list of constituencies specifying the areas proposed to be included in each constituency. \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission shall invite representations in respect of the preliminary report within a \r\nperiod of thirty days from the date of publication. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nA voter in a constituency may, within the period specified in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2), make a \r\nrepresentation \r\nto the Commission in respect of the delimitation of that constituency proposed in the \r\npreliminary report. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe Commission shall, after hearing and considering the representations, if any, received \r\nby it, make such amendments, alterations or modifications in the preliminary list of constituencies \r\npublished under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) as it thinks fit or necessary, and\r\n \r\nshall, within a period of thirty days \r\nfrom the last date fixed for making representation under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2), publish in the official Gazette \r\nand on its website, the final report and list of constituencies showing the areas included in each \r\nconstituency\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n22.\r\n \r\nPower of Commission to make amendment, alteration or modification in the final list \r\nof constituencies.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Commission may, at any \r\ntime but at least four months before notification of the Electio\r\nn Programme, of its own motion and for \r\nreasons to be recorded, make such amendments, alterations or modifications in the final list of \r\nconstituencies published under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (4) of section 21 or in the areas included in a constituency, \r\nas it deems nece\r\nssary. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission shall publish in the official Gazette and on its website the proposed \r\namendments, alterations or modifications with their justifications and invite and hear representations \r\nin respect thereof before taking final decision thereon. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER \r\nIV\r\n \r\nELECTORAL ROLLS \r\n \r\n \r\n23.\r\n \r\nPreparation and computerization of electoral rolls.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall prepare \r\nthe electoral rolls for election to the National Assembly, Provincial Assemblies and local governments \r\nand shall revise such rolls periodically i\r\nn the prescribed manner. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. and added by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n8. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n25\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Commission shall make arrangements for the computerization of the electoral rolls in \r\nsuch manner as it may determine and any printout from the database maintained by or with the \r\nauthority of the Commission, shall be deemed to be an electoral roll p\r\nublished under this Act.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n24.\r\n \r\nAppointment of Registration Officers.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall appoint\r\n \r\na \r\nRegistration Officer for an electoral area or group of electoral areas for the purpose of preparation, \r\nrevision, correction and amendment of the ele\r\nctoral rolls and may, for that purpose, appoint as many \r\nAssistant Registration Officers as may be necessary. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Subject to such prior permission or instructions as may be given in this behalf by the \r\nCommission\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nan Assistant Registration Officer ma\r\ny, under the control of the \r\nRegistration Officer, perform the functions of a Registration Officer; \r\nand \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\na Registration Officer may require any official to assist him in the \r\nperformance of his functions. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n25. \r\nNational Database and Registration Authori\r\nty to transmit data.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) In such manner \r\nas may be prescribed, the National Database and Registration Authority shall transmit relevant data of \r\nevery fresh National Identity Card issued by it to the Commission for registration of the card\r\n-\r\nholder \r\nas a voter\r\n \r\nin the electoral roll of the electoral area in which his permanent or temporary address is \r\nlocated, in accordance with the option indicated by him in the application for issuance of the National \r\nIdentity Card. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Authority shall also transmit to the Commission relevant data of every cancelled or \r\nmodified National Identity Card, information regarding deceased voters and such other details as may \r\nbe required by the Commission for the purposes of this Act. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Commission shall forward the data referred to in sub\r\n-\r\nsections (1) and (2) to the \r\nRegistration Officer concerned who shall take steps for enrolment or, as the case may be, correction \r\nin the relevant electoral roll in accordance with such procedure as ma\r\ny be prescribed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation.\r\n—\r\n \r\nFresh National Identity Card includes any card that has not been earlier made \r\npart of the electoral roll database due to any reason whatsoever. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4\r\n) \r\nNotwithstanding anything contained in section 28 of the National Database and Registration \r\nAuthority Ordi\r\nnance, 2000 (VIII of 2000), any authority to whom an application for registration is to \r\nbe made under the National Database and Registration Authority Ordinance, 2000 (VIII of 2000) shall, \r\non the request of Registration Officer, furnish him such informatio\r\nn including extracts from the said \r\napplication as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. \r\n \r\n \r\n26.\r\n \r\nPreparation of preliminary electoral rolls.\r\n—\r\n(1) Subject to the superintendence, \r\ndirections and control of the Commission, the Registration Officer shall \r\nprepare the electoral rolls by \r\nincluding in the electoral rolls, the name of every person entitled to be enrolled as a voter in an electoral \r\narea under this Act. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n26\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) A person shall be entitled to be enrolled as a voter in an electoral area if he\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nis \r\na citizen of Pakistan; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nis not less than eighteen years of age; \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\npossesses a National Identity Card issued by the National Database and \r\nRegistration Authority at any time till the last day fixed for inviting \r\nclaims, objections and applications for preparation, revision or \r\ncorrection of electoral rolls; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nis not declared by a competent court to be of unsound mind; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nis or is deemed under section 27 to be resident in the electoral area. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation.\r\n—\r\nThe National Identity Card issued by the National Database and Registration \r\nAuthority shall be deeme\r\nd to be valid for the purpose of registration as a voter or for casting vote in \r\nan election, notwithstanding the expiry of its validity period. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n27.\r\n \r\nPlace of residence.\r\n—\r\n(1) Save as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall be \r\ndeemed to be resi\r\ndent in an electoral area if his temporary or permanent address in the National Identity \r\nCard issued by the National Database and Registration Authority lies in the said electoral area. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nA person who is in the service of Pakistan may apply to the Reg\r\nistration Officer for \r\nenrolment in the electoral area in which he temporarily resides for being in the service of Pakistan. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe spouse and children of the person in the service of Pakistan may apply to the \r\nRegistration Officer for enrolment in the electoral area in which such person is enrolled under \r\n           \r\nsub\r\n-\r\nsection (2). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nNotwithstanding anything contained in this \r\nsection or any other provision of this Chapter, \r\nthe registration of a voter at an address other than the permanent or temporary address mentioned in \r\nhis National Identity Card shall remain valid till he applies for transfer of his vote or for modification \r\nor renewal of his National Identity Card in which case his vote shall be registered according to the \r\ntemporary or permanent address mentioned in the National Identity Card: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that this sub\r\n-\r\nsection (4) including this proviso shall stand omitte\r\nd on 31st December, \r\n2018. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n28. \r\nPreliminary publication.\r\n—\r\nThe preliminary electoral rolls prepared under section 26, \r\ntogether with a notice inviting claims, objections and applications for corrections, if any, with respect \r\nthereto, shall be published and displayed by the Registration Officer for a period of not l\r\ness than thirty \r\ndays, in such manner and form as may be prescribed. \r\n \r\n \r\n29. \r\nAppointment of Revising Authorities.\r\n—\r\nThe Commission shall appoint a Revising \r\nAuthority for any electoral area or group of electoral areas, for the purpose of receiving and deciding \r\nc\r\nlaims, objections and applications for correction of the preliminary electoral rolls. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n27\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n30. \r\nPeriod for lodging claims and objections.\r\n—\r\n(1) Any person may file an  application for \r\ninclusion of a name in the electoral roll, or an objection to, or application\r\n \r\nfor correction of, any entry \r\nin the preliminary electoral rolls before the Revising Authority on the prescribed form within a period \r\nof thirty days or more, as may be determined by the Commission, next following the date of the \r\npublication of the prelimin\r\nary electoral rolls under section 28. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Revising Authority shall reject any claim or objection or application for correction or \r\ntransfer if it is not made within the period specified in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) or is not made in the prescribed \r\nmanner. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n31. \r\nTransfer of name from one electoral area to another.\r\n—\r\n \r\nA person may apply for transfer \r\nof his name from the electoral roll of one electoral area to the electoral roll of another electoral area \r\nwith the appropriate Revising Authority if it is preferred \r\nbefore the final publication of the electoral \r\nroll under section 35, or, if it is filed after such final publication, with the appropriate Registration \r\nOfficer under section 37 by filing an application in the prescribed form for the inclusion of his name \r\ni\r\nn the electoral roll of an electoral area where he is resident and wishes to enroll himself as voter with \r\nthe request to delete his name from the electoral roll in which his name is currently enrolled. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n32. \r\nApplication by the Registration \r\nOfficer for inclusion of name.\r\n—\r\nThe Registration \r\nOfficer may, within the period mentioned in section 30, apply to the Revising Authority\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nfor the inclusion in the electoral roll of the name of any person left out \r\ndue to in\r\nadvertence or the absence of timely information while preparing \r\nthe preliminary electoral rolls; or \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nfor the exclusion of any name from the electoral roll or any correction \r\nof clerical, printing or other error which he is himself authorized to make \r\nunder \r\nsection 34. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n33.\r\n \r\nEnquiry into claims and objections.\r\n—\r\n(1) Except where a claim or objection or an \r\napplication for correction is rejected under section 30 or is decided without further enquiry being valid \r\nprima facie\r\n, the Revising Authority shall give its decision after holding a summary enquiry into each \r\nclai\r\nm, objection or application, after giving notice to the parties concerned. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe decision of the Revising Authority under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall be final and shall be \r\ncommunicated to the appropriate Registration Officer. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n34.\r\n \r\nCorrection of \r\nelectoral rolls.\r\n—\r\nThe Registration Officer\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nshall correct the electoral roll in accordance with the decision of the \r\nRevising Authority under section 33; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nmay further correct any clerical, printing or other error subsequently \r\ndiscovered in the roll b\r\nut not so as to include in it or exclude from it, \r\nthe name of any voter. \r\n \r\n \r\n35. \r\nFinal publication.\r\n—\r\nAfter making additions, deletions, modifications or corrections, if \r\nany, under section 34, the Registration Officer shall publish, in the prescribed manner an\r\nd form, the \r\nfinal electoral roll for each electoral area. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n28\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n36. \r\nPeriodical revision of electoral roll.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Registration Officer shall\r\n \r\nperiodically \r\nrevise an electoral roll as may be determined by the Commission in the prescribed manner and form\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nso as to include the name of any qualified person whose name does not \r\nappear in such roll; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nso as to delete the name of any person who h\r\nas died or who is or has \r\nbecome disqualified for enrolment; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nfor correcting any entry or for supplying any omission in such roll. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nAn electoral roll for any electoral area which is not revised for any reason, shall continue \r\nto remain valid and o\r\nperational. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nWhile revising the electoral rolls under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the procedure laid down in sections \r\n24 to 35 shall, with necessary changes, apply to revision of the electoral rolls. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n37.\r\n \r\nEnrolment and correction other than periodical revisi\r\non.\r\n—\r\n \r\nSubject to section 39\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nany person whose name is not included in an electoral roll and who \r\nclaims that he was or is entitled to be enrolled on that roll, may apply to \r\nthe appropriate Registration Officer, on the prescribed form along with \r\na copy of the National Identity Card issu\r\ned to him under the National \r\nDatabase and Registration Authority Ordinance, 2000 (VIII of 2000) for \r\nthe inclusion of his name in the electoral rolls, and if the Registration \r\nOfficer is satisfied after giving notice or making such enquiry as he may \r\ndeem nec\r\nessary, that the applicant was or is entitled to have his name so \r\nenrolled, he shall insert the name of such person in the database of the \r\nelectoral roll and shall also make necessary entry in the master copy of \r\nthe electoral roll maintained by him; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nany\r\n \r\nperson may apply to the Registration Officer for the correction of \r\nany entry in an electoral roll\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nif the entry relates to the applicant and the Registration Officer \r\nis satisfied after giving such notice and making such enquiry as \r\nhe may consider necess\r\nary that the entry relates to the applicant \r\nand is erroneous or defective in any particular, he shall correct \r\nthe electoral roll accordingly and shall also make necessary \r\ncorrection in the relevant database; \r\n \r\n       \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nif the entry does not relate to the app\r\nlicant and the Registration \r\nOfficer is satisfied after giving notice to the person to whom the \r\nentry relates and after making such enquiry, as he may consider \r\nnecessary that such person is dead or is otherwise not entitled to \r\nbe enrolled as a voter, he sha\r\nll correct the electoral roll \r\naccordingly and shall also make necessary correction in the \r\nrelevant database; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\nif the person to whom the entry relates appears in response to the \r\nnotice and gives his option, on the basis of his temporary or \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n29\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\npermanent address as mentioned in the National Identity Card, \r\nfor enrolment in the electoral roll of another electoral area of \r\nthe \r\nsame district, the Registration Officer shall correct the electoral \r\nroll accordingly and if such option requires such person‘s \r\nenrolment in the electoral roll of an electoral area of another \r\ndistrict, he shall refer the matter to the  Registration Offi\r\ncer \r\nconcerned for the needful to be done, after necessary \r\nverification, for enrolment of such person as voter in the relevant \r\nelectoral roll of that district under intimation to the Commission; \r\nand\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iv)\r\n \r\nif the person does not appear in response to the notice \r\nand the \r\nentry objected to is required to be transferred to the electoral roll \r\nof another electoral area within the district, the Registration \r\nOfficer shall correct the electoral roll accordingly and if such \r\nentry relates to another district shall refer the\r\n \r\nmatter to the \r\nRegistration Officer concerned with request to enroll such \r\nperson, after necessary verification, in the electoral roll of that \r\ndistrict at his permanent address mentioned in his National \r\nIdentity Card under intimation to the Commission; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\ni\r\nf a person applies for transfer of vote from the electoral roll of an \r\nelectoral area to the electoral roll of another electoral area of the same \r\ndistrict, the Registration Officer of that district shall, after making such \r\nenquiry as he may consider necessa\r\nry, strike off the name of the \r\napplicant from the master copy of the electoral roll in which his name \r\npresently exists and include his name in the master copy of the electoral \r\nroll of the other electoral area and shall make necessary changes in the \r\ndatabas\r\ne of the electoral rolls accordingly; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nif a person applies for transfer of vote from the electoral roll of an \r\nelectoral area of a district to the electoral roll of an electoral area of the \r\nother district, the Registration Officer of the district to which\r\n \r\ntransfer of \r\nvote is sought, shall, after making such enquiry as he may consider \r\nnecessary, include the name of the applicant in the master copy of the \r\nelectoral roll of the electoral area requested, make necessary changes in \r\nthe database of the electoral \r\nrolls accordingly and inform the \r\nRegistration Officer of the district from which transfer of vote is sought \r\nand the latter shall strike off the name of the applicant from the master \r\ncopy of the roll being maintained by him; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nwhere the Registration Office\r\nr rejects application made under this \r\nsection, he shall record brief reasons of his decision; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\na person aggrieved by the order of the Registration Officer made under \r\nthis section may, within thirty days of such order, appeal to the Appellate \r\nAuthorit\r\ny to be appointed by the Commission and the decision of such \r\nAppellate Authority shall be final. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n30\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n38. \r\nPreparation of rolls afresh.\r\n—\r\n \r\nIf the Commission considers it necessary, on account of \r\nany gross error or irregularity in or in the preparation of an elect\r\noral roll for any electoral area or a part \r\nof an electoral area or other cogent reasons including changes in the limits of that electoral area or \r\nlarge scale displacement of population due to a natural calamity, it may, for reasons to be recorded, by \r\norder\r\n \r\ndirect that the roll for such electoral area or part of electoral area shall stand cancelled and that \r\nafresh electoral roll for that electoral area or part of electoral area be prepared in accordance with the \r\nprovisions of this Act. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n39. \r\nNo revision, co\r\nrrection or transfer after constituency called upon to elect.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) No \r\nrevision of or correction in an electoral roll of an electoral area or inclusion or transfer of a vote from \r\nthe electoral roll of an electoral area to the electoral roll of another elect\r\noral area shall be made nor \r\nshall any order under section 38 be made in respect of any electoral roll during the period beginning \r\nthirty days before the day on which the term of an Assembly or a local government is due to expi\r\nre \r\n(hereinafter referred to as\r\n \r\n‘\r\nthe cut\r\n-\r\noff date\r\n’\r\n) till announcement of the results of the general election to \r\nthe Assembly or the local government but it shall not apply to an election to fill a casual vacancy in an \r\nAssembly or a local government. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nIn case of an election to fill\r\n \r\na casual vacancy to an Assembly or a local government, no \r\nrevision of or correction in an electoral roll of an electoral area or inclusion or transfer of a vote from \r\nthe electoral roll of an electoral area to the electoral roll of another electoral area s\r\nhall be made nor \r\nshall any order under section 38 be made in respect of any electoral roll at any time after the \r\nconstituency of which such electoral area forms part has been called upon to elect its representative \r\nand before such representative has been e\r\nlected.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Commission shall, through press release and its website, inform the general public \r\nabout the cut\r\n-\r\noff date for revision of or correction in an electoral roll of an electoral area or inclusion \r\nor transfer of a vote from the electoral roll of an electoral\r\n \r\narea to the electoral roll of another electoral \r\narea.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n40.\r\n \r\nPower of the Commission to modify electoral roll.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Subject to section 39, the \r\nCommission may, at any time, order\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe inclusion in an electoral roll of the name of any person entitled to\r\n \r\nbe \r\nenrolled on such electoral roll, and such name shall, from the date of \r\nsuch order, form part of the electoral roll; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe exclusion from an electoral roll of the name of any person who has \r\ndied or has become disqualified to be a voter, and such name s\r\nhall, from \r\nthe date of such order, stand excluded from that roll; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe removal of the name of any person from an electoral roll where such \r\nremoval becomes necessary due to the repetition of the name in the same \r\nelectoral roll or in the electoral rolls of more than one electoral area.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Before taking decision under c\r\nlause (b) or clause (c) of sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Commission \r\nshall afford a reasonable opportunity of being heard to the person likely to be affected and shall record \r\nreasons for its decision. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n31\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n41.\r\n \r\nMaintenance of electoral rolls.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) An electoral roll as revised and corrected shall be \r\nmaintained by the Registration Officer in the prescribed manner and shall be kept open to public \r\ninspection; and any person, on payment of prescribed fee, may obtain copies of the electoral roll. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) A candidate or an election agent may obtain a hard and searchable soft copy of the final \r\nelectoral roll with photographs of the voters in accordance with section 79. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n42. \r\nDuration of the electoral rolls.\r\n—\r\n \r\nThe electoral roll for any electoral area pr\r\nepared under \r\nthis Act shall come into force immediately upon its final publication and shall remain in force until \r\nrevised. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n43. \r\nInformation regarding deaths.\r\n—\r\n \r\nOn the direction of the Commission, the person in \r\ncharge of any register of births and deaths \r\nin a local government or other authority shall submit relevant \r\ninformation regarding deceased persons from that register on prescribed form to the Registration \r\nOfficer concerned on quarterly basis, who shall make necessary corrections in the electoral roll\r\ns \r\naccordingly. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n44. \r\nSharing of information with National Database and Registration Authority.\r\n—\r\n \r\nThe \r\nRegistration Officer shall, through the Commission, communicate to the National Database and \r\nRegistration Authority any change of address of the voter as \r\na result of transfer of his vote under \r\nsection 34, section 37 or section 40 and any information received under section 43 for necessary entries \r\nin the record of the National Database and Registration Authority.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n45. \r\nEnrolment only once.\r\n—\r\n \r\nA person shall \r\nnot be enrolled\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\non the electoral roll for any electoral area more than once; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\non the electoral rolls for more than one electoral area. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n46. \r\nValidity of electoral rolls not affected by any mistake.\r\n—\r\n \r\nAn electoral roll shall not be \r\ninvalid by reason of any mis\r\n-\r\ndescription of a person enrolled thereon or of omission of the name of \r\nany person entitled to be so enrolled or of inclusion of the name of any person not so entitled. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n47. \r\nSpecial measures for \r\nenrolment of women voters.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall annually \r\npublish disaggregated data of registered men and women voters in each National Assembly and \r\nProvincial Assembly constituency highlighting the difference in number of registered men and women \r\nvot\r\ners. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nWhere the variation in the disaggregated data under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) is more than ten percent \r\nin a constituency, the Commission shall take special measures to reduce such variation. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe measures referred to in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2) shall includ\r\ne action to expedite the issuance of \r\nNational Identity Cards for women of such constituency by National Database and Registration \r\nAuthority and for their enrolment as voters in the relevant electoral rolls by the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n48.\r\n \r\nEnrolment of \r\nnon\r\n-\r\nMuslims etc.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall take special measures for \r\nregistration of non\r\n-\r\nMuslims, persons with disabilities and transgender citizens in the electoral rolls as \r\nvoters. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n32\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe measures under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall include coordinated actio\r\nn with the National \r\nDatabase and Registration Authority to expedite the issuance of National Identity Cards for non\r\n-\r\nMuslims, persons with disabilities and transgender citizens. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nNo activity undertaken in connection with an election by the Commission \r\nor National \r\nDatabase and Registration Authority, as the case may be, shall be delayed, postponed or otherwise \r\naffected in any manner whatsoever merely on the ground of any measure being taken under this section \r\nor section 47. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n48A.\r\n \r\nStatus of Ahmadis etc.  to remain \r\nunchanged.\r\n—\r\n(1)\r\n \r\nNotwithstanding anything \r\ncontained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force including Rules or forms prescribed \r\nthereunder, the status of Quad\r\niani\r\n \r\nGroup \r\no\r\nr\r\n \r\nthe L\r\na\r\nhori Group (who call themsel\r\nves \r\n‘\r\nAhmadis\r\n’\r\n \r\nor by \r\nany other name) or a person who does not believe in the absolute and unqualified finality of the \r\nProphet\r\n-\r\nhood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last of the prophets or claimed or claims to be \r\na\r\n \r\nProphet, in any sense \r\nof\r\n \r\nthe word or of\r\n \r\nany description whatsoever, \r\nafter Muhammad\r\n \r\n(peace be upon \r\nhim) or recognizes such a claimant as a Prophet or religious reformer \r\ns\r\nhall remain the same as provided \r\nin the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973.\r\n \r\n \r\n(\r\n2) If a pers\r\non has got \r\nhimself enrolled as v\r\noter and objection is filed before the Revising \r\nAuthority notified under this Act that such a voter is not a Muslim, the Revising Authority shall issue \r\na notice to him to appear before it within fifteen days and require him to sign a d\r\neclaration reproduced \r\nbelow regarding his belief about the absolute and unqualified finality of the prophethood of \r\nMuhammad (peace be upon him). In case he refuses to sign the declaration as aforesaid, he shall be \r\ndeemed to be a non\r\n-\r\nMuslim and his name sha\r\nll be deleted from the joint electoral rolls and added to a \r\nsupplementary list of voters in the same electoral area as non\r\n-\r\nMuslim. In case the voter does not turn \r\nup in spite of service of notice, an \r\nex\r\n-\r\nparte\r\n \r\norder may be passed against him.\r\n \r\nDeclaration an\r\nd oath:\r\n \r\n \r\n1, \r\n______________________ (name of the voter), \r\ndo \r\nsolemnly swear that I believe in the \r\nabsolute and unqualified finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (Peace be upon him), the last of \r\nthe prophets and I \r\nam not the follower of anyone who claims to be a Prophet in any sense of the word \r\nor of any\r\n \r\ndescription whatsoever after prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and that I do not \r\nrecognize such a claimant to \r\nbe \r\nprophet \r\nor a religious \r\nreformer\r\n, \r\nnor do I belon\r\ng to the Qadiani group \r\nor the Lahori group or call myself an Ahmadi\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n                                                   \r\n(Name and Signature of the Voter)\r\n \r\n \r\n[\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nI\r\nns. by Act \r\nNo.\r\n \r\nXXXV\r\nII\r\n \r\nof 2017,\r\n \r\ns.\r\n \r\n2\r\n.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n33\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n49.\r\n \r\nDeparture from normal procedure in exceptional \r\ncircumstances.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1)\r\nWhere the \r\nCommission is satisfied that it is not possible to follow the procedure laid down for the preparation or \r\nrevision of an electoral roll in respect of any electoral area, the Commiss\r\nion may, after recording the \r\nexceptional circumstances necessitating deviation from the laid down procedure, direct that an \r\nelectoral roll for such electoral area shall be prepared in such manner as it deems fit. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission shall immediately publish the direction issued under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) on \r\nits website. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER V  \r\n \r\nCONDUCT OF ELECTIONS TO THE ASSEMBLIES \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n50.\r\n \r\nAppointment of District Returning Officer.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) For election to an Assembly, the \r\nCommission \r\nshall, in the prescribed manner, appoint a District\r\n \r\nReturning Officer for each district or a \r\nspecified area\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nfrom amongst its own officers subject to availability; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nby selection from a list of officers provided by the Government or a \r\nProvincial Government; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nfrom the subordinate judiciary in consultation with the Chief Justice of \r\nthe concerned High Court. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)  Subject to the superintendence, directions and control of the Commission, the District \r\nReturning Officer shall coordinate and supervise all work i\r\nn the district in connection with the conduct \r\nof an election and shall also perform such other duties and functions as may be assigned by the \r\nCommission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n51. \r\nAppointment of Returning Officer and Assistant Returning \r\nOfficers.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The \r\nCommission shall,\r\n \r\nin the prescribed manner, appoint, from amongst its own officers or officers of any \r\nGovernment or corporations, autonomous or semi\r\n-\r\nautonomous bodies controlled by any Government, \r\nor from the subordinate judiciary in consultation with the Chief Justice of \r\nthe concerned High Court, \r\na Returning Officer for each constituency. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nA person shall not be appointed as Returning Officer for more than one constituency, save \r\nin exceptional circumstances, for reasons to be recorded.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Commission may, in t\r\nhe prescribed manner, appoint, from amongst its own officers or \r\nofficers of any Government, or corporations, autonomous or semi\r\n-\r\nautonomous bodies controlled by \r\nany Government, as many Assistant Returning Officers as may be necessary.  \r\n \r\n \r\n52. \r\nDates of \r\nappointments.\r\n—\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall make appointments under sections 50 \r\nand 51 at least sixty days prior to the issuance of Election Programme save for bye\r\n-\r\nelections or in \r\nexceptional circumstances for reasons to be recorded, in which cases the Commission \r\nshall make the \r\nappointments simultaneously with the issuance of the Election Programme.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n34\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n53. \r\nPresiding Officers and Polling \r\nOfficers.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) A Returning Officer shall, in the prescribed \r\nmanner, appoint for each polling station a Presiding Officer and such\r\n \r\nnumber of Assistant Presiding \r\nOfficers and Polling Officers from amongst the officers of any Government or corporations, \r\nautonomous or semi\r\n-\r\nautonomous bodies controlled by any Government to assist the Presiding Officer \r\nas the Returning Officer may conside\r\nr necessary. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall not appoint a person as a Presiding Officer, Assistant Presiding \r\nOfficer or Polling Officer who is or has, at any time, been in the employment of a candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall, at least thirty days before the polling day, submit to the District \r\nReturning Officer for approval a list of such Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers and \r\nPolling Officers including reserved staff as may be determin\r\ned by the Commission, and no change in \r\nthe list shall be made thereafter save in exceptional circumstances, for reasons to be recorded, and with \r\nthe approval of the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nIn case of non\r\n-\r\navailability of any member of polling staff, the Returnin\r\ng Officer shall \r\nappoint a substitute from amongst the reserved staff as approved by the District Returning Officer. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n54.\r\n \r\nDuties of election \r\nofficials.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) A Returning Officer shall do all such acts and things as \r\nmay be necessary for effective conduct \r\nof the poll in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the \r\nRules and directions of the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nAn Assistant Returning Officer shall assist the Returning Officer in the performance of his \r\nfunctions under this Act and may, subject to any condi\r\ntion imposed by the Commission and the control \r\nof the Returning Officer, exercise the powers and perform the functions of the Returning Officer. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nA Presiding Officer shall conduct the poll in accordance with the provisions of this Act and \r\nthe Rules a\r\nnd shall be responsible for maintaining order at the polling station and shall report to the \r\nReturning Officer any fact or incident which may affect the conduct or fairness of the poll. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nDuring the course of the poll, the Presiding Officer may entrus\r\nt any of his functions to an \r\nAssistant Presiding Officer and the Assistant Presiding Officer shall perform the functions so entrusted \r\nto him. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall authorize one of the Assistant Presiding Officers to act in place \r\nof the Presiding Officer if the Presiding Officer is, at any time during the poll, by reason of illness or \r\nother cause, not present at the polling station, or is \r\nunable to perform his functions.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nThe Returning Officer may, at any time during the poll, for reasons to be recorded, suspend \r\nany Presiding Officer, Assistant Presiding Officer or Polling Officer, and make such alternate \r\narrangements as he may consi\r\nder necessary for the performance of the functions of the officer so \r\nsuspended, whose matter shall be referred to the Commission for initiation of disciplinary proceedings. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n55.\r\n \r\nDisciplinary \r\nproceedings.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) An election official appointed or deputed t\r\no perform \r\nduties in connection with an election shall be deemed to be under the control, superintendence and \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n35\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ndiscipline of the Commission for the period commencing on and from the date of appointment or \r\ndeputation till publication of the name of the return\r\ned candidate in the official Gazette.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nNotwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law, the Commission may \r\ninitiate and finalize disciplinary action and impose any penalty against any election official for any act \r\nof misconduct provided in the Efficiency and Discipline Rules\r\n \r\nas applicable to such election official \r\nor under any provision of misconduct under this Act, and for this purpose, the Commission shall be \r\ndeemed to be the Competent Authority under the said Efficiency and Discipline Rules or this Act.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Commiss\r\nion may, at any time, for reasons to be recorded in writing, suspend or \r\nwithdraw any election official, a public servant or any other person in the service of Pakistan who\r\n—\r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nobstructs, or prevents, or attempts to obstruct or prevent, the conduct of \r\na fa\r\nir and impartial poll; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ninterferes or attempts to interfere with a voter when he casts his vote; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\ninfluences or attempts to influence in any manner the polling staff or a \r\nvoter; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\ndoes any other act calculated to influence the result of the\r\n \r\nelection; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\ndisobeys any order, or avoids to carry out any instruction issued by the \r\nCommission or any officer authorized to issue any order or instruction \r\nor violates any provision of this Act. \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(4) The Commission may appoint Enquiry \r\nOfficers or Enquiry Committee to initiate and \r\nfinalize proceedings under the efficiency and discipline rules applicable to the election officials \r\nconcerned against whom action has been taken by the Commission under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (3) or other \r\nprovisions of th\r\nis Act or by the Returning Officer under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (6) of section 54.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nThe Enquiry Officer or Authorized Officer shall complete enquiry proceedings under the \r\nEfficiency and Discipline Rules as applicable to the election official concerned or \r\nunder this Act within \r\nthirty days of the reference to him and shall submit the enquiry report to the Commission within seven \r\ndays of the completion of the enquiry.\r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nThe Commission may impose any penalty provided in the Efficiency and Discipline Rules\r\n \r\nas applicable to the election official concerned or any penalty provided under this Act.  \r\n \r\n \r\n(7) \r\nAn election official aggrieved by a final order passed by the Commission may, within thirty \r\ndays of receipt of the final order, file an appeal in the relevant \r\nService Tribunal or other judicial forum. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n9.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n36\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(8) \r\nWhere the Commission suspends or withdraws any election official, it may appoint any \r\nother election official to perform the duty of the election official suspended or withdrawn.  \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(9) Apart from disciplinary proceedings, the Commission may also \r\ninitiate criminal \r\nproceedings under section 188 read with section 184 against the concerned election officials, public \r\nservants or other persons in service of Pakistan mentioned in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (3).\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n56. \r\nOath by election \r\nofficials.\r\n—\r\n \r\nAn election official sh\r\nall, before the commencement of his \r\nelection duty, make an oath, in such form and manner as may be prescribed, \r\nthat he\r\n \r\nshall act strictly \r\nin accordance with the provisions of this Act, Rules and directions of the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n57. \r\nNotification of Electio\r\nn \r\nProgramed\r\n.\r\n—\r\n \r\n2\r\n[\r\n(1) Subject to the Constitution, the Commission \r\nshall by notification in the official Ga\r\nze\r\ntte announce the date or dates, as the case may be, of the \r\ngeneral elections\r\n.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nWithin seven days of the announcement under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Commission shall, by \r\nnotification in the official Gazette and by publication on its website, call upon the voters of the notified \r\nAssembly constituencies to elect their representatives in acc\r\nordance with an Election Programme, \r\nwhich shall stipulate\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe last date for making nominations, which shall be the sixth day after \r\nthe date of publication of the notification or, if that day is a public \r\nholiday, the next succeeding day which is not a \r\npublic holiday; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe last date for publication of names of the nominated candidates, which \r\nshall be day following the last date of filing of nomination papers; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe last date for the scrutiny of nominations, which shall be the eighth \r\nday immediately following the last d\r\nate for making nominations or, if \r\nthat day is a public holiday, the next succeeding day which is not a public \r\nholiday; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nthe last date for filing of appeals against acceptance or rejection of \r\nnominations, which shall be the fourth day following the last d\r\nate for the \r\nscrutiny of nominations or, if that day is a public holiday, the next \r\nsucceeding day which is not a public holiday; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nthe last date for decision of appeals, which shall be the seventh day \r\nfollowing the last date for filing of appeals or, if t\r\nhat day is a public \r\nholiday, the next succeeding day which is not a public holiday; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nthe last date for publication of the revised list of candidates, which shall \r\nbe the day following the last date for decision of appeals;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nAdded by Act\r\n \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of \r\n2023, s.\r\n \r\n9.\r\n \r\n2\r\nSubs. by Act No. XXXV of \r\n2023, s.2.\r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n37\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(g)\r\n \r\nthe last date for the withdrawal of candidature, which shall be the day \r\n \r\nfollowing the last date of publication of revised list of candidates or, if \r\n \r\nthat day is a public holiday, the next succeed\r\ning day which is not a public \r\n \r\nholiday; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(h)\r\n \r\nthe date for allocation of symbols to contesting candidates and \r\npublication of list of contesting candidates, which shall be the day \r\nfollowing the last date for withdrawal of candidature or, if that day is a \r\npublic holiday, the next succeeding day which is\r\n \r\nnot a public holiday; \r\nand \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nthe date or dates on which a poll shall, if necessary, be taken, which or \r\nthe first of which shall be a date not earlier than the twenty eighth day \r\nafter the publication of the revised list of candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nA \r\nReturning Officer shall\r\n \r\n1\r\n[* * *]\r\n \r\ngive public notice of the dates specified by the \r\nCommission in respect of the constituency or constituencies of which he is the Returning Officer; and \r\nshall publish the public notice at some prominent place or places within\r\n \r\nthe constituency to which it \r\nrelates.   \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nA Returning Officer shall, by the public notice given under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (3), invite \r\nnominations specifying the time by which and the place at which nomination papers shall be received \r\nby him. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n58. Alterat\r\nion in Election Programme.\r\n—\r\n \r\n2\r\n[(1)\r\n \r\nSubject to the Constitution, Notwithstanding \r\nanything contained in section 5\r\n7\r\n, the Commission may, at any time after the issuance of the notification \r\nunder sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) of that section, make such alterations i\r\nn\r\n \r\nthe elec\r\ntion programme announced \r\ni\r\nn \r\nthat notification for different stages of\r\n \r\nthe election or m\r\nay issue a fresh election programme with fresh \r\npoll date or dates as may, in i\r\nt\r\ns opinion to be recorded in writing, be necessary for the purposes of this \r\nAct.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Save as otherwise provided by law, if a candidate has already submitted his nomination \r\npapers before the notification under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), he shall not be required to again submit his \r\nnomination papers under the fresh Election Programme. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n59.\r\n \r\nPolling \r\nstations. \r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Within one week after appointment of Returning Officers, the \r\nCommission shall provide, in the prescribed format, a list of proposed polling stations \r\nfor each\r\n \r\nconstituency to the Returning Officer of that constituency indicating the \r\nelectoral areas assigned to \r\neach polling station and publish the list on its website.\r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission shall, as far as practicable, retain the polling stations established for the \r\npreceding election but it may add to or alter the list as may be require\r\nd to reduce the distance preferably \r\nto one kilometer between a polling station and the voters assigned to it.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nAs far as practicable, not more than twelve hundred voters shall be assigned to a polling \r\nstation and not more than three hundred voters \r\nshall be assigned to a polling booth, and reasons for \r\nany deviation shall be recorded in writing.   \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nOmitted by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n10.\r\n \r\n2\r\nSubs. by Act No. XXXV \r\nof 2023\r\n, s.\r\n \r\n3\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n38\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nWithin fifteen days of the receipt of the list of polling stations, the Returning Officer\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nshall personally verify the proposed polling stations; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nmay add to or alter the list as he may deem necessary; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nshall publish outside his office the preli\r\nminary list of polling stations, \r\ninviting objections and suggestions, if any, to be filed within twenty\r\n-\r\none \r\ndays of its publication. \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(5)\r\n \r\nObjections and suggestions may be filed with the District Returning Officer\r\n__\r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nby a candidate, with regard to \r\nany polling station in his constituency; and\r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nby a voter, with regard only to the polling station to which he has been assigned.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nThe District Returning Officer may, after hearing the objections or considering the \r\nsuggestions, if any filed with hi\r\nm and making such summary enquiry as he may deem necessary, make \r\nalterations in the list of polling stations as may be required and shall, at least thirty days before the \r\npolling day, publish in the official Gazette and on the website of the Commission the\r\n \r\nfinal list of \r\npolling stations of each constituency in the district. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7) \r\nThe Commission shall determine the date or dates required for completion of the actions \r\nmentioned in this section.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(8) \r\nThe District Returning Officer shall not make any change\r\n \r\nin the final list of polling stations \r\npublished in the official Gazette, \r\nsave in\r\n \r\nvery exceptional circumstances, for reasons to be recorded, \r\nwith the prior approval of the Commission \r\n1\r\n[not later than five days before polling and a copy of such \r\nchange shal\r\nl be transmitted to the candidates immediately without loss of any time] \r\nand after notice to \r\nthe candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(9) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall establish in each constituency polling stations according to the \r\nfinal list published under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (6). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(10) \r\nA polling station shall be situated in any Government building in the constituency and, \r\nwhere no Government building is available, a polling station may be established in a building owned \r\nby a private educational institution registered with the concer\r\nned education authorities or an \r\nimprovised polling station shall be set up on a public property. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(11) \r\nA polling station shall not be located in any premises which belongs to or is under the \r\ndirect or indirect control of a candidate\r\n \r\n1\r\n[or a political part\r\ny]\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n(\r\n12) While finalizing the list of polling stations of a constituency, if the District Returning \r\nOfficer declares a polling station as highly sensitive, the Commission may, in addition to appropriate \r\nsecurity measures as may be taken, install or \r\ndirect any Government to install a surveillance camera \r\nin each polling booth of such polling station to record poll proceedings, counting of vote process and \r\npreparation of results by the Presiding Officer.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs.\r\n \r\nand i\r\nns.\r\n \r\nby Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n11.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n39\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n60.\r\n \r\nNomination for \r\nelection.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Any voter of a constituency, may propose or second the \r\nname of any qualified person to be a candidate for Member for that constituency: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that no voter shall subscribe to more than one nomination papers \r\neither as proposer \r\nor seconder.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Every nomination shall be made by a separate nomination paper on Form A signed both by \r\nthe proposer and the seconder and shall, on solemn affirmation made and signed by the candidate, be \r\naccompanied by\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\na declarat\r\nion that he has consented to the nomination and that he fulfils \r\nthe qualifications specified in Article 62 and is not subject to any of the \r\ndisqualifications specified in Article 63 for being elected as a Member; \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(b) \r\n \r\na declaration that before the \r\ndate fixed for scrutiny of nomination papers \r\nhe will open an exclusive account, or dedicate an existing account, with \r\na scheduled bank for the purpose of election expenses, and has attached \r\nstatement of the said bank account with the nomination paper, star\r\nting \r\nwith entries of seven days prior to the election schedule;\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nan attested copy of his National Identity Card; and \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\na statement of his assets and liabilities and of his spouse and dependent \r\nchildren as on the preceding thirtieth day of June on \r\nForm B.  \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nEvery nomination paper shall be delivered to the Returning Officer by the candidate or his \r\nproposer or seconder or if \r\nso,\r\n \r\nauthorized in writing by the candidate, by his nominee and the Returning \r\nOfficer shall acknowledge receipt of the nom\r\nination paper specifying the date and time of receipt. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation\r\n.\r\n—\r\n \r\nAuthorization in favour of an advocate shall be attested by a Notary appointed \r\nunder the Notaries Ordinance 1961 (XIX of 1961) or an Oath Commissioner appointed under the Oaths \r\nAct, 18\r\n73 (X of 1873) or any Government servant in basic pay scale 17 and above.     \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nA person may be nominated in the same constituency by not more than five nomination \r\npapers. \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall assign a serial number to every nomination paper and endorse \r\non the nomination paper the name of the person presenting it, and the date and time of its receipt, and \r\ninform such person of the time and place at which he shall hold\r\n \r\nscrutiny. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall cause to be affixed at a conspicuous place in his office a notice \r\nof every nomination paper received by him containing the particulars of the candidate as shown in the \r\nnomination paper. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n1\r\n2.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n40\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nmake the nomination papers along with annexures open to inspection by \r\nthe public; and  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nissue certified copies of these documents in such manner and on \r\npayment of such fee as may be prescribed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n61.\r\n \r\nDeposits.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Subject to sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2), the Returning Officer shall not accept a \r\nnomination paper unless a sum of thirty thousand rupees for election to a seat in the National Assembly \r\nand twenty thousand rupees for election to a seat in the Provincial \r\nAssembly is deposited by the \r\ncandidate or by any person on his behalf\r\n—\r\n  \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nin cash with the Returning Officer; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthrough bank draft drawn in favour of the Returning Officer; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nin cash in a specified account with any branch of the National Bank of \r\nPakistan, receipt of which should be produced before the Returning \r\nOfficer. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nNot more than one deposit under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall be required in the case of a person \r\nwho has been\r\n \r\nnominated as a candidate by more than one nomination paper. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(3) \r\nThe sum deposited shall be non\r\n-\r\nrefundable.]\r\n \r\n \r\n(\r\n4) \r\n1\r\n[\r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(\r\n5) \r\n1\r\n[\r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n62.\r\n \r\nScrutiny.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Any voter of a constituency may file objections to the candidature of a \r\ncandidate of that constituency who has been nominated or whose name has been included in the party \r\nlist submitted by a political party for election to an Assembly before the Return\r\ning Officer within the \r\nperiod specified by the Commission for the scrutiny of nomination papers of candidates contesting \r\nelection to an Assembly. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe candidates, their election agents, the proposers and seconders and one other person \r\nauthorized in this behalf by each candidate, and a voter who has filed an objection under sub\r\n-\r\nsection \r\n(1), may attend the scrutiny of nomination papers, and the Returni\r\nng Officer shall give them reasonable \r\nopportunity for examining all the nomination papers delivered to him under section 60. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nA voter who has filed an objection to the candidature of a candidate shall only attend the \r\nscrutiny of the nomination paper \r\nof that candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. and omitted by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n13.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n41\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall, in the presence of the persons attending the scrutiny, examine \r\nthe nomination papers and decide any objection raised by any such person to any cand\r\nidature. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nThe Returning Officer may, for the purpose of scrutiny, require any, authority or \r\norganization, including a financial institution, to produce any document or record or to furnish any \r\ninformation as may be necessary to determine facts relati\r\nng to an objection to the candidature of a \r\ncandidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall not enquire into the correctness or validity of any entry in the \r\nelectoral roll. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7) \r\nThe Returning Officer while scrutinizing nomination paper of a candidate, shall not ask any \r\nquestion which\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nhas no nexus with the informa\r\ntion supplied in the nomination paper; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nhas not arisen from the objections raised by any person or from \r\ninformation received by him under this section. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(8) \r\nThe declaration submitted under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2) of section 60 shall only be questioned by \r\nthe Returning Officer if there is tangible mate\r\nrial to the contrary available on record.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(9) \r\nSubject to this section, the Returning Officer may, on either of his own motion or upon an \r\nobjection, conduct a summary enquiry and may reject a nomination paper if he is satisfied that\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe candidate is\r\n \r\nnot qualified to be elected as a Member; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe proposer or the seconder is not qualified to subscribe to the \r\nnomination paper; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nany provision of section 60 or section 61 has not been complied with or \r\nthe candidate has submitted a declaration or statement which is false or \r\nincorrect in any material particular; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nthe signature of the proposer or the seconder is not genuine: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n            \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nthe rejection of a nomination paper shall not invalidate the \r\nnomination of a candidate by any other valid nomination paper; \r\nor \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nthe Returning Officer shall not reject a nomination paper on the \r\nground of any defect which is no\r\nt of a substantial nature and may \r\nallow any such defect to be remedied forthwith, including an \r\nerror in regard to the name, serial number in the electoral roll or \r\nother particulars of the candidate or his proposer or seconder so \r\nas to bring them in conform\r\nity with the corresponding entries in \r\nthe electoral roll.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n42\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(10) \r\nNotwithstanding anything contained in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (9), where a candidate deposits any \r\namount of loan, tax or government dues and utility expenses payable by him of which he is unaware \r\nat the time of filing of his nomination paper, such nomination paper sha\r\nll not be rejected on the ground \r\nof default in payment of such loan, taxes or government dues and utility expenses. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(11) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall endorse on each nomination paper his decision accepting or \r\nrejecting it and shall, in the case of reject\r\nion or objection to acceptance, record brief reasons for his \r\ndecision.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n63.\r\n \r\nAppeal against scrutiny order.\r\n—\r\n(1) A candidate or the objector may, within the time \r\nspecified by the Commission, file an appeal against the decision of the Returning Officer rej\r\necting or \r\naccepting a nomination paper to an Appellate Tribunal constituted for the constituency consisting of a \r\nperson who is a Judge of a High Court appointed by the Commission in consultation with the Chief \r\nJustice of the High Court concerned: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvi\r\nded that where the number of appeals so necessitate, the Commission may appoint a \r\nperson as Tribunal who has been a judge of a High Court in consultation with the Chief Justice of the \r\nHigh Court concerned. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nAn Appellate Tribunal shall summarily decide an appeal filed under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) within \r\nsuch time as may be notified by the Commission and any order passed on the appeal shall be final. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nIf the Appellate Tribunal is not able to decide the appeal wi\r\nthin the time fixed by the \r\nCommission under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2), the appeal shall abate and decision of the Returning Officer shall \r\nbe final. \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nIf, on the basis of information or material coming to its knowledge by any source, an \r\nAppellate Tribunal is of th\r\ne opinion that a candidate whose nomination paper has been accepted is a \r\ndefaulter of loans, taxes, government dues and utility expenses or has had any loan written off or has \r\nwillfully concealed such fact or suffers from any other disqualification from be\r\ning elected as a Member \r\nof an Assembly, it may, on its own motion, call upon such candidate to show cause why his nomination \r\npapers may not be rejected, and if the Appellate Tribunal is satisfied that the candidate is actually a \r\ndefaulter or has had a loan\r\n \r\nwritten off or suffers from any disqualification, it may reject the nomination \r\npaper. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n64.\r\n \r\nPublication of list of candidates.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Returning Officer shall, after the scrutiny of \r\nnomination papers, prepare and display in the prescribed manner a list of validly nominated candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nIn case an appeal against the decision of the Returning Officer is accepted by the Appella\r\nte \r\nTribunal, the Returning Officer shall revise the list of validly nominated candidates accordingly. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall, on the second day following the last date for decision of \r\nappeals by the Appellate Tribunal, prepare and display in th\r\ne prescribed manner the revised list of \r\nvalidly nominated candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n65.\r\n \r\nWithdrawal.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) A validly nominated candidate may, by notice in writing signed by him \r\nand delivered to the Returning Officer on or before the withdrawal date either by the cand\r\nidate himself \r\nor by an advocate authorized in writing by the candidate, withdraw his candidature. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n43\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation\r\n.\r\n—\r\nAuthorization in favour of an advocate shall be attested by a Notary appointed \r\nunder the Notaries Ordinance 1961 (XIX of 1961) or an Oath Co\r\nmmissioner appointed under the Oaths \r\nAct, 1873 (X of 1873) or a Government servant in basic pay scale 17 and above. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nA notice of withdrawal under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall, in no circumstances, be open to recall \r\nor cancellation. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nOn receiving a notice of withdrawal under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Returning Officer shall, if \r\nhe is satisfied that the signature on the notice is that of the candidate, cause a copy of the notice to be \r\naffixed at a conspicuous place in his office. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n66. \r\nCandidate to file certificate of party affiliation.\r\n—\r\n \r\n1\r\n[Not\r\nwithstanding anything contained \r\nin this A\r\nct \r\nor any other law for the time being in force or any judgment, \r\n \r\ndecree or order of any court \r\nincluding the\r\n \r\nSupreme Court and a High Court, a contesting\r\n]\r\n \r\nca\r\nndidate, before seeking allotment of a \r\nprescribed symbol, shall file a declaration before the Returning Officer about his affiliation with a \r\nparticular political party, if any, along with a certificate from the political part\r\ny showing that he is that \r\nparty\r\n’\r\ns c\r\nandidate from the constituency\r\n \r\n1\r\n[:]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\nProvided that if a candidate, before seeking allotment of a prescribed symbol, has not filed a \r\ndeclaration before the Returning Officer about his affiliation with a particular political party by \r\nsubmitting party\r\n \r\ncertificate from the political p\r\narty confirming that he is that party’s candidate, he shall \r\nbe deemed to be \r\nconsidered\r\n \r\nas an \r\nindependent candidate and n\r\not a \r\ncandidate of\r\n \r\nany political party\r\n.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n67. \r\nContested election and allotment of symbols.\r\n—\r\n(1) If after withdrawal, if any, there are \r\nmore than one contesting candidates in the constituency, the Returning Officer shall allot, subject to \r\nany direction of the Commission, one of the prescribed symbols to each contesting candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nA candidat\r\ne nominated by a political party at an election in any constituency shall be \r\nallotted the symbol allocated by the Commission to that political party under the provisions of Chapter \r\nXII and no other symbol. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nA candidate not nominated by any politica\r\nl p\r\narty (hereinafter called as \r\n“\r\nindependent \r\nc\r\nandidate\r\n”\r\n) shall choose and shall be allotted one of the symbols not allocated to any political party, \r\nin the following manner\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nwhere a symbol has been chosen by only one independent \r\ncandidate, \r\nthat symbol shall\r\n \r\nbe allotted to that candidate and to no one else; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nif a symbol is chosen by more than one independent candidates and one \r\nof them has previously been a Member of the National Assembly or a \r\nProvincial Assembly, such symbol shall be allotted to that former \r\nMember; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. and ad\r\nded by Act No. XV of \r\n2024, s.\r\n \r\n2.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n44\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nif more than one independent candidates have given preference for the \r\nsame symbol, that symbol shall be allotted by drawing of lots. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nNo symbol shall be allotted to any candidate other than the prescribed symbols. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nIn every constituency where election is contested, different symbol shall be allotted to each \r\ncontesting candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n68.\r\n \r\nList of contesting candidates.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Returning Officer, after allotment of symbols to \r\ncontesting candidates, under section 67 shall\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\npublish the names of the contesting candidates arranged in Urdu \r\nalphabetical order specifying against each the symbol allotted to him; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ngive public notice of the day and hours of the poll. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Returning Officer shall supply a copy of list of contesting candidates to each candidate and \r\nshall exhibit the list at a prominent place in each polling station on the day of poll. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[(3) The\r\n \r\nReturning Officer shall send a copy of the list of contesting candidates with their \r\nrespective symbols to the Commission which shall upload it for display on its website.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n69.\r\n \r\nOne day poll.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission shall hold polls for a general election fo\r\nr an Assembly on \r\nthe same day and may simultaneously hold the polls for National Assembly seats and the Provincial \r\nAssembly seats. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) If the Commission is satisfied that polls cannot take place in a constituency on account of a \r\nnatural calamity or for any other reason beyond its control, the Commission may fix another day for \r\nholding the poll in that constituency. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n70. \r\nHours of the\r\n \r\npoll.\r\n—\r\nThe Commission shall fix the hours, which shall not be less than eight, \r\nduring which the poll shall be held and the Returning Officer shall give public notice of the hours so fixed \r\nand hold the poll according to the hours fixed by the Commission: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that the Commission may extend polling hours already fixed at one or more polling \r\nstations in exceptional circumstances to be recorded in writing but such decision shall be taken at least \r\nthree hours before the close of the poll enabling the Retu\r\nrning Officer to convey the decision of the \r\nCommission to all Presiding Officers under his jurisdiction well before the time already fixed for close of \r\nthe poll. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n71. \r\nPrinting of ballot papers.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall, pursuant to the finalization of t\r\nhe list \r\nof the polling stations, determine the constituency\r\n-\r\nwise requirement of ballot papers based on the formula \r\nthat the number of ballot papers per polling station shall be rounded off to the next hundred. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation\r\n.\r\n―\r\n \r\n“\r\nR\r\nounding off to the \r\nnext hundred\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans that if the total strength of voters at a \r\npolling station is 1201 to 1299 the requirement of ballot papers for that polling station would be 1300. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission shall ensure that the total requirement of ballot papers for the ge\r\nneral elections \r\nare printed by the printing presses of the Printing Corporation of Pakistan or such other press which is \r\nowned and operated by any authority under the control of the Federal or a Provincial Government as may \r\nbe notified by the Commission fo\r\nr the purpose. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Commission shall ensure that adequate arrangements are made for the security of the \r\npresses during the printing of the ballot papers and for the safe custody of the printed ballot papers till \r\ndelivery to the Returning Officer. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nAdded by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n14.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n45\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe Commission shall use special water\r\n-\r\nmarked paper for printing of ballot papers. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n72.\r\n \r\nRetirement from election.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) A contesting candidate may retire from the election by \r\nnotice in writing signed by him and delivered to the Returning Officer on any day not later than four \r\ndays before the polling day by the candidate himself or by an advocate authorized in writing by\r\n \r\nthe \r\ncandidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation\r\n.\r\n—\r\n \r\nAuthorization in favour of an advocate shall be attested by a Notary appointed \r\nunder the Notaries Ordinance, 1961 (XIX of 1961) or an Oath Commissioner appointed under the \r\nOaths Act, 1873 (X of 1873) or a Government servan\r\nt in basic pay scale 17 and above. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nIf a contesting candidate retires from the election under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), he shall not be \r\nallowed to subsequently cancel the retirement. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nOn receiving a notice of retirement under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Retur\r\nning Officer shall, if he \r\nis satisfied that the signature on the notice is that of the candidate, cause a copy of the notice to be \r\naffixed at a conspicuous place in his office.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nA person in respect of whom a notice of retirement has been published under sub\r\n-\r\nsection \r\n(3) shall be deemed to have withdrawn his candidature under section 65. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n72B. Effect of section 72A\r\n.\r\n—\r\nThe provisions of section 72A inserted under section 2 of \r\nthe \r\nElections (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 (XX of 2021), which stands omitted on the repeal of the said \r\nOrdinance by virtue of proviso to sub\r\n-\r\nparagraph (i) of paragraph (a) of clause (2) of Article 89 of the \r\nConstitution\r\n,\r\n \r\nshall always be deemed to have been\r\n \r\nomitted and shall have no, and shall always be \r\ndeemed to have no\r\n,\r\n \r\neffect whatsoever at any point of time.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n73.\r\n \r\nDeath of a candidate after nomination.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) If a contesting candidate dies before \r\ncommencement of the poll or during the polling hours, the \r\nReturning Officer shall, by public notice, \r\nterminate the proceedings relating to that election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Where the proceedings relating to an election have been terminated under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), \r\nfresh proceedings shall be commenced in accordance with the p\r\nrovisions of this Act, as if for a new \r\nelection but it shall not be necessary for the other contesting candidates to file fresh nomination papers \r\nor make a further deposit under section 61. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n74.\r\n \r\nPostponement under certain circumstances.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Where the pr\r\noceedings relating to \r\nnomination, scrutiny or withdrawal cannot, for reasons beyond the control of the Returning Officer, to \r\nbe recorded in writing, take place on the day appointed for the proceedings, he may postpone such \r\nproceedings. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) When the pro\r\nceedings are postponed by the Returning Officer under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), he \r\nshall inform the Commission of his having done so and the Commission shall, by notification in the \r\nofficial Gazette, fix another day for the proceedings so postponed and, if necessar\r\ny, the day or days \r\nfor any subsequent proceedings. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act No. X of 2022, s.\r\n \r\n2.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n46\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n75.\r\n \r\nUncontested election.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Where, after scrutiny of nomination papers, there remains \r\nonly one validly nominated candidate or where, after withdrawal under section 65 or retirement under \r\nsection 72, there remains only one contesting candidate, the Returning Officer shall, by publ\r\nic notice, \r\ndeclare such candidate to be elected to the seat: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that if after scrutiny any candidate indicates that he intends to file an appeal under \r\nsection 63 against the rejection of his nomination paper, no person shall be declared elected \r\nuntil the \r\nperiod appointed for filing such appeal has expired and no such appeal has been filed or, where an \r\nappeal is filed, until the disposal of the appeal. \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall submit to the Commission a return of the result of the electio\r\nn \r\nin respect of which he has made a declaration under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Commission shall, after such summary enquiry as it may deem necessary in any case, \r\npublish in the official Gazette the name of the candidate declared elected under sub\r\n-\r\nsectio\r\nn (2).  \r\n \r\n76. Election agent.\r\n—\r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(1) \r\nA  candidate  may  appoint  three  voters  in  the constituency as \r\nhis election agents and shall send to the Returning Officer a notice in writing of the appointment \r\ncontaining the names, fathers’ names and  \r\naddresses  of  the  election  agents.  However, at the time of \r\nconsolidation of results, only one agent shall be present as authorized by a candidate.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe appointment of an election agent may, at any time be revoked in writing by the \r\ncandidate and, \r\nwhen it is so revoked or if the election agent dies, the candidate may appoint another \r\nperson as his election agent. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nWhere a candidate has not appointed an election agent, the candidate shall be deemed to be \r\nhis own election agent and shall, so far \r\nas the circumstances permit, be subject to the provisions of this \r\nAct both as a candidate and as an election agent. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n77.\r\n \r\nPolling agent.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The contesting candidate or his election agent may, before the \r\ncommencement of or during the poll, appoint for ea\r\nch polling station as many polling agents as may \r\nbe prescribed and shall give notice in writing to the Presiding Officer communicating the appointment. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The appointment of a polling agent under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) may at any time be revoked by \r\nthe cand\r\nidate or his election agent and, when it is so revoked or if the polling agent dies, another person \r\nmay be appointed by the candidate or his election agent as a polling agent and a notice of such \r\nappointment shall be given to the Presiding Officer. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n78.\r\n \r\nSupply of ballot boxes.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Returning Officer shall provide each Presiding Officer \r\nwith such number of ballot boxes as may be necessary. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission shall approve the material and design of the ballot boxes. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nNot more than one ballot b\r\nox shall be used at a time for the purpose of the poll at any \r\npolling station, or where there are more than one polling booths at a polling station, at any polling \r\nbooth. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n15.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n47\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nBefore the time fixed for the commencement of the poll, the Presiding Officer shall\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nensure that every ballot box to be used is empty; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nshow the empty ballot box to the contesting candidates and their election \r\nagents or polling agents whoever may be pr\r\nesent, and record their \r\nstatements in this behalf in the prescribed form and obtain their \r\nsignatures on the form; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nafter the ballot box has been shown to be empty, close and seal it with \r\nhis own seal and with the seal of such of the candidates, or their \r\nelection \r\nagents or polling agents as may be present and may desire to put their \r\nown seals on it; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nplace the ballot box so as to be conveniently accessible to the voters, and \r\nat the same time within his view and within the view of such candidates \r\nor t\r\nheir election agents or polling agents as may be present. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) If one ballot box is full or cannot further be used for receiving ballot papers, the Presiding \r\nOfficer shall seal that ballot box with his own seal and with the seals of the candidates or t\r\nheir polling \r\nagents who may wish to seal it and keep it in a secure place in the polling station and use another ballot \r\nbox in the manner laid down in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (4). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n79.\r\n \r\nSupply of final electoral rolls.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall provide the Returning Officer \r\nfor each constituency with copies of final electoral rolls for all the electoral areas within that \r\nconstituency. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall provide the Presiding Officer of each polling station\r\n \r\nwith copies \r\nof the final electoral rolls containing the names of the voters entitled to vote at that polling station. \r\n \r\n1\r\n[(2A) On the day of polling, the Presiding Officer shall post outside the polling station list \r\nshowing numbers of the voters \r\nassigned to each polling booth.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nOn the application of a candidate or his election agent, the District Election Commissioner \r\nor any officer authorized in this behalf by the Commission shall provide to a candidate or an election \r\nagent a hard and searc\r\nhable soft copy on universal serial bus (USB) in portable document format (PDF) \r\nor any other tamper\r\n-\r\nproof format of the final electoral roll with photographs of the voters and shall \r\nensure that the copy is the same as provided to the Returning Officer and \r\nPresiding Officers. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n80. \r\nSupply of ballot papers.\r\n—\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall provide the Returning Officer of a \r\nconstituency with requisite number of ballot papers as determined under section 71 in the manner as \r\nmay be prescribed.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n16.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n48\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n81. \r\nElection by secret ballot.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) An election under this Act shall be held by secret ballot \r\nand, subject to the provisions of sections 93, 94 and 103, every voter shall cast his vote by inserting, \r\nin accordance with \r\nthe provisions of this Act, in the ballot box, a ballot paper in the prescribed form. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Presiding Officer shall make such arrangements at the polling station that every voter \r\nmay be able to secretly mark his ballot paper before folding and inser\r\nting it in the ballot box. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n82\r\n.\r\n \r\nAdmission to the polling station.\r\n—\r\nThe Presiding Officer, shall, subject to such \r\ninstructions as the Commission may give in this behalf, regulate the number of voters to be admitted \r\nto the polling station at one time and shall exclude from the polling station all other persons except\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nan\r\ny person on duty in connection with the election; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe contesting candidates, their election agents and polling agents; and  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nsuch other persons as may be specifically permitted by the Commission \r\nor any other authority empowered by the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n83.\r\n \r\nMaintenance of order at the polling station.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Presiding Officer shall keep order \r\nat the polling station and may remove \r\nor cause to be removed any person who misconducts himself at \r\na polling station or fails to obey any lawful orders of the Presiding Officer.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nAny person removed under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) from a polling station shall not, without the \r\npermission of the Pre\r\nsiding Officer, again enter the polling station during the poll and shall, if he is \r\naccused of an offence in the polling station, be liable to be arrested without warrant by a Police Officer.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nPowers under this section shall be so exercised as not t\r\no deprive a voter of his right to cast \r\nhis vote at the polling station where he is entitled to vote. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nAll officials posted at a polling station including officials of law enforcing agencies shall \r\nrender their fullest cooperation to the Presiding Offi\r\ncer for maintenance of order and for ensuring \r\nuninterrupted voting at the polling station\r\n \r\n1\r\n[:]\r\n \r\n1\r\n[Provided that officials of the law enforcement agencies shall be posted for security duties \r\noutside the polling station but in an emergency may be called \r\ninside by the Presiding Officer to restore \r\norder and peaceful polling.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n84.\r\n \r\nVoting procedure.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Where a voter presents himself at the polling station to vote, the \r\nPresiding Officer shall issue a ballot paper to the voter after satisfying himself abo\r\nut his identity and \r\nshall, for that purpose, require him to produce his original National Identity Card issued by the National \r\nDatabase and Registration Authority. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nFor the purpose of verification of the identity of a voter, the Commission may adopt such \r\nother technology as in its opinion may prove effective, including bio\r\n-\r\nmetric verification system, in \r\naddition to the National Identity Card mentioned in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (\r\n1). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. and added by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n17.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n49\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nFailure of a voter to prove his identity through the new technology shall not disentitle him \r\nto cast his vote if he is otherwise entitled so to do under this section. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nBefore a ballot pape\r\nr is issued to a voter\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe number and name of the voter as entered in the electoral roll shall be \r\ncalled out; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe entry relating to the voter on the electoral roll shall be struck off to \r\nindicate that a ballot paper has been issued to him; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nhe shall be required to receive a personal mark, made with indelible ink, \r\non any finger or thumb of either hand as indicated by the Commission; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nthe ballot paper shall be stamped on its back with the official mark and \r\nsigned by the Presiding Officer;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nthe Presiding Officer shall record on the counterfoil of the ballot paper \r\nthe number of the voter on the electoral roll, the number of the Nationa\r\nl \r\nIdentity Card of the voter, stamp it with the official mark, sign it and \r\nobtain on it the thumb impression of the voter; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nthe Polling Officer shall obtain the thumb impression of the voter on the \r\nspace provided on the electoral roll for the purpose\r\n \r\nagainst the \r\nphotograph of the voter.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nA ballot paper shall not be issued to a person who \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nfails or refuses to produce his original National Identity Card issued by \r\nthe National Database and Registration Authority; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nrefuses to put his thumb\r\n \r\nimpression on the counterfoil or, as the case \r\nmay be, on the space provided for the purpose on the electoral roll \r\nagainst his photograph or whose thumb bears traces of its having already \r\nbeen used for putting an impression; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nrefuses to receive the personal mark with indelible ink; or who already \r\nbears such a mark or traces of such a mark. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nIf a contesting candidate or his election agent or polling agent alleges that a voter to whom \r\na ballot paper is about to be issued al\r\nready has one or more ballot papers in his possession, the Presiding \r\nOfficer may require the voter to satisfy him that he does not have any other ballot paper in his \r\npossession and may also take such measures as he thinks fit to ensure that such voter does\r\n \r\nnot insert \r\nmore than one ballot paper in the ballot box. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7) \r\nOn receiving the ballot paper, the voter shall\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n50\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nforthwith proceed to the place reserved for marking the ballot paper; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nput the prescribed mark on the ballot paper at any place within the\r\n \r\nspace \r\ncontaining the name and symbol of the contesting candidate for whom \r\nhe wishes to vote; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nafter he has so marked the ballot paper, fold and insert it in the ballot \r\nbox. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(8) \r\nThe voter shall vote without undue delay and shall leave the polling station immediately \r\nafter he has inserted his ballot paper in the ballot box. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(9) \r\nWhere a voter is\r\n \r\nblind or is otherwise so incapacitated that he cannot vote without the \r\nassistance of his companion, the Presiding Officer shall allow him such assistance and thereupon such \r\nvoter may, with such assistance, do anything which a voter is required or permitte\r\nd to do under this \r\nAct. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n85.\r\n \r\nTendered Ballot Papers.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) If a person representing himself to be a voter applies for a \r\nballot paper when another person has already represented to be that voter and has voted under the name \r\nof the person so applying\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nif the applicant meets the requirements of identity verification laid down \r\nin section 84, he shall be entitled, subject to the provisions of the section \r\nto receive a ballot paper (hereinafter referred to as \r\n“\r\nTendered Ballot \r\nPaper\r\n”\r\n) in the same manner as an\r\ny other voter; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nif the applicant fails to prove his claimed identity, the Presiding Officer \r\nmay proceed against him for personation punishable under Chapter X. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall, after the voter has marked and folded the Tendered Bal\r\nlot \r\nPaper, place it in the same condition in a sep\r\narate packet bearing the label \r\n“\r\nTendered Ballot Papers\r\n”\r\n \r\ninstead of being placed in the ballot box. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall enter in a list (Tendered Votes List) the name of the voter who \r\nhas received a tendered ballot paper and his number on the electoral roll. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall send the Tendered Votes List along with copies of the \r\nNational \r\nIdentity Cards and other documents if any produced by the voters to the Returning Officer, and the \r\nReturning Officer shall send the same along with the electoral roll and counterfoils bearing the thumb \r\nimpressions to the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nThe Com\r\nmission shall send the Tendered Votes List and other documents mentioned in \r\nsub\r\n-\r\nsection (4) to the National Database and Registration Authority for forensic enquiry to identify \r\nboth the voters who voted against one entry in the electoral roll and the Natio\r\nnal Database and \r\nRegistration Authority shall submit a report confirming the personation or otherwise to the \r\nCommission, which shall initiate legal action against the person who personated or attempted to \r\npersonate and the  election officials responsible f\r\nor committing negligence in issuing a ballot paper to \r\nthe personator. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n51\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n86.\r\n \r\nChallenge of voters.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) If, at the time, a person applies for ballot paper for the purpose \r\nof voting, a candidate\r\n \r\n1\r\n[, his election agent]\r\n \r\nor his polling agent declares to the Pr\r\nesiding Officer that \r\nhe has reasonable cause to believe that person has already voted in the election at the same or another \r\npolling station, or is not the person whose name is entered in the electoral roll and undertakes to prove \r\nthe charge in a court and\r\n \r\ndeposits with the Presiding Officer in cash a sum of one hundred rupees, the \r\nPresiding Officer may, after warning the person of the consequences and obtaining on the counterfoil, \r\nhis thumb impression and if he is literate, also his signature, issue a ball\r\not paper (Challenged Ballot \r\nPaper) to the person. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nIf the Presiding Officer issues a Challenged Ballot Paper to any person, he shall enter the \r\nname and address of that person in a list to be prepared by him (Challenged Votes List) and obtain on \r\nit the thumb impression and, if he is literate, also the signa\r\nture of that person. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall, after the Challenged Ballot Paper has been marked and folded \r\nby the voter, place it in the same condition in a separate packet bearing the label \r\n“\r\nChallenged Ballot \r\nPapers\r\n”\r\n, instead of being placed in\r\n \r\nthe ballot box and shall include it in the count by him in the manner \r\nprovided in section 90. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n87.\r\n \r\nSpoilt Ballot Papers.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) A voter who has inadvertently so spoilt his ballot paper that it \r\ncannot be used as a valid ballot paper may, upon proving the f\r\nact of inadvertence to the satisfaction of \r\nthe Presiding Officer and returning the ballot paper to him, obtain another ballot paper and cast his \r\nvote by such other ballot paper. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Presiding Officer shall cancel the ballot paper returned to him u\r\nnder sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), \r\nmake a note to that effect on the counterfoil under his own signatures and sign the cancelled ballot \r\npaper and place it in a separate packet bearing the label \r\n“\r\nSpoilt Ballot Papers\r\n”\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n88. Stopping\r\n \r\nof the poll.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Presiding Of\r\nficer shall stop the poll and inform the \r\nReturning Officer that he has done so if\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe poll at the polling station is, at any time, so interrupted or obstructed \r\nfor reasons beyond the control of the Presiding Officer that it cannot be \r\nresumed during the polling hours fixed under section 70; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nany ballot box used at the polling stati\r\non is unlawfully taken out of the \r\ncustody of the Presiding Officer, or is accidentally or intentionally \r\ndestroyed, or is lost or is damaged or tampered with to such an extent \r\nthat the result of the poll at the polling station cannot be ascertained. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nWhere a poll has been stopped under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Returning Officer shall \r\nimmediately report the circumstances to the Commission and the Commission shall direct a fresh poll \r\nat that polling station unless it is satisfied that the result of the elect\r\nion has been determined by the \r\npolling that has already taken place at that polling station, along with the result of the polling at other \r\npolling stations in the same constituency. \r\n \r\n_________________________________________________________________________\r\n________\r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n18.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n52\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nWhere the Commission orders a fresh poll under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2)\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nit shall, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint a day for a fresh \r\npoll and fix the place at which and the hours during which such fresh \r\npoll shall be taken; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe Returning Officer shall give public notice of the day so appointed \r\nand the pl\r\nace and hours so fixed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) At a fresh poll taken under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (3) at a polling station, all voters entitled to vote at \r\nthe polling station shall be allowed to vote and no vote cast at the previous poll stopped under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall be coun\r\nted; and the provisions of this Act and the Rules and orders made under the \r\nlaw shall apply to such fresh poll.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n89. \r\nVoting after close of poll.\r\n—\r\n \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall not issue any ballot paper or \r\npermit any person to vote after the hour fixed for the close of the poll except the persons who at that \r\nhour are present within the building, room, tent or enclosure in which the polling station is \r\nsituated \r\nand have not voted but are waiting to vote. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n90. \r\nProceedings at the close of poll.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Presiding Officer shall count the votes \r\nimmediately after the close of the poll in the presence of such of the contesting candidates, election \r\nagents, po\r\nlling agents and authorized observers as may be present. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall give such of the contesting candidates, election agents, polling \r\nagents and authorized observers as may be present reasonable facility of observing the count and gi\r\nve \r\nthem such information with respect to the count as can be given consistent with the orderly conduct of \r\nthe count and the discharge of his duties in connection with the count. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall not allow any person to be present at the c\r\nount other than \r\nelection officials on duty in connection with the poll, the contesting candidates, their election agents \r\nand polling agents or any other person authorized by the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall\r\n—\r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nopen the used ballot box or\r\n \r\nballot boxes and count the entire lot of ballot \r\npapers taken out therefrom; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nopen \r\nthe packets bearing the labels \r\n“\r\nTendered Ballot Papers\r\n”\r\n \r\nand \r\n“\r\nChallenged Ballot Papers\r\n”\r\n \r\nand count them; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\ncount, in such manner as may be prescribed, the votes cast in favour of \r\neach contesting candidate excluding from the count the Spoilt Ballot \r\nPapers and the ballot papers which bear\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nno official mark and signature of the Presiding Officer; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nany writing\r\n \r\nor any mark other than the official mark, the \r\nsignature of the Presiding Officer and the prescribed mark or to \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n53\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nwhich a piece of paper or any other object of any kind has been \r\nattached; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\nno prescribed mark to indicate the contesting candidate for \r\nwhom th\r\ne voter has voted; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iv)\r\n \r\nany mark from which it is not clear for whom the voter has voted. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nA ballot paper shall be deemed to have been marked in favour of a candidate if the whole \r\nor more than half of the area of the prescribed mark appears clearly \r\nwithin the space containing the \r\nname and symbol of that candidate and, where the prescribed mark is divided equally between two \r\nsuch spaces, the ballot paper shall be deemed invalid. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nThe Presiding Officer may recount the votes if he considers it necessary\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nof his own motion; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nupon the request of a contesting candidate, an election agent or a polling \r\nagent present: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that the recount shall be made by the Presiding Of\r\nficer only once. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7) \r\nThe valid ballot papers cast in favour of each contesting candidate, shall be put in separate \r\npackets and each such packet shall be sealed and shall contain a certificate as to the number, both in \r\nletters and figures, of the ballot \r\npapers put in it and shall also indicate the nature of its contents, \r\nspecifying the name and symbol of the contesting candidate to whom the packet relates. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(8) \r\nThe ballot papers excluded from the count shall be put in a separate packet indicating on \r\nthe\r\n \r\npacket the total number of the ballot papers contained in the packet both in letters and figures. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(9) \r\nThe packets mentioned in sub\r\n-\r\nsections (7) and (8) shall be put in a principal packet which \r\nshall be sealed by the Presiding Officer. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(10) \r\nThe Presi\r\nding Officer shall, immediately after the count, prepare a Result of the Count in \r\nsuch form as may be prescribed showing therein the number of valid votes polled by each contesting \r\ncandidate and the ballot papers excluded from the count. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(11) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall prepare in the prescribed form a Ballot Paper Account showing \r\nseparately\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe number of ballot papers entrusted to him; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe number of un\r\n-\r\nissued ballot papers;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe number of ballot papers taken out of the ballot box or boxes and \r\ncounted; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n54\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nthe number of Tendered Ballot Papers; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nthe number of Challenged Ballot Papers; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nthe number of Spoilt Ballot Papers. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(12) \r\nThe Presiding Officer, after preparation of the Result of the Count and the Ballot Paper \r\nAccount, shall sign them and obtain thereon the signatures of the senior\r\n-\r\nmost Assistant Presiding \r\nOfficer and an accredited observer, a candidate or his election agent\r\n \r\nor polling agents as may be present \r\nin token of the said documents having been prepared in their presence and if any such person refuses \r\nto sign it, the Presiding Officer shall record a note on the result of the count and the ballot paper account \r\nto that \r\neffect. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(13) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall give a copy each of the Result of the Count and the Ballot \r\nPaper Account signed, stamped and thumb marked by him and the senior most Assistant Presiding \r\nOfficer to such of the candidates, their election agents or\r\n \r\npolling agents as may be present and obtain \r\na receipt for such copy and if any such person refuses to sign it, the Presiding Officer shall record a \r\nnote to that effect. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(14) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall publish the Result of the Count and Ballot Paper A\r\nccount, \r\nsigned by him and others, by affixing copies at a conspicuous place at the polling station for public \r\ninspection. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(15) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall seal in separate packets\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe un\r\n-\r\nissued ballot papers; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe Tendered Ballot Papers; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe Te\r\nndered Votes List; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nthe Challenged Ballot Papers held to be valid and counted by the \r\nPresiding\r\n \r\nOfficer; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nthe Challenged Ballot Papers considered doubtful and excluded from the \r\ncount by the Presiding Officer;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nthe Challenged Votes List;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(g)\r\n \r\nthe Spoilt Ballot Papers; \r\n \r\n \r\n(h)\r\n \r\nthe marked copies of the electoral rolls; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nthe counterfoils of used ballot papers; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(j)\r\n \r\nsuch other papers as the Commission or Returning Officer may direct. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n55\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(16) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall obtain on each statement and packet prepared under this \r\nsection the signature of such of the contestin\r\ng candidates or their election agents or polling agents as \r\nmay be present and, if any such person refuses to sign, the Presiding Officer shall record that fact on \r\neach such statement or packet. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(17) \r\nA person required to sign a statement or packet \r\nunder sub\r\n-\r\nsection\r\n \r\n(1\r\n6\r\n) may, if he so \r\ndesires, also affix his seal to it. \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(18) Immediately after the close of proceedings under this section, the Presiding Officer shall, \r\nin compliance with such instructions as may be given by the Commission in this beha\r\nlf, personally \r\ndeliver without delay the result of the count and the ballot paper account prepared by him to the \r\nReturning Officer and to such other officer as may be authorized by the Commission, together with \r\nsuch other records as the Commission may dire\r\nct:\r\n \r\nProvided that if the Returning Officer is of the view that delivery has been inexcusably delayed, \r\nhe shall refer the defaulting Presiding Officer to the Commission for initiation of disciplinary \r\nproceedings under section 54 and pending final decision i\r\nn these proceedings, remuneration due to the \r\nPresiding Officer in connection with the election shall be withheld.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n91. \r\nStatement about turnout of women voters.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Presiding Officer shall prepare a \r\ngender disaggregated statement of voters showing to\r\ntal number of men and women voters at the \r\npolling station and the total votes cast by men and women voters.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Presiding Officer shall send the gender disaggregated statement of voters to the \r\nReturning Officer and to the Commission at the time of co\r\nmmunication of result to the Returning \r\nOfficer and the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Presiding Officer may, at any stage on the polling day during or after the polling, \r\nprepare and send a special report to the Returning Officer and to the Commission if he has reason to \r\nbelieve that women voters have been restrained from exercising thei\r\nr right to vote based on any express \r\nor implied agreement. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n92. \r\nAnnouncement of provisional results.\r\n—\r\n \r\nOn receipt of the Results of the Count from all \r\nPresiding Officers of a constituency, the Returning Officer shall forthwith prepare and announce \r\nprovisi\r\nonal Consolidated Statement of Results of the Count of the constituency (excluding postal \r\nballots) in the prescribed manner, in the presence of such contesting candidates, their election agents \r\nor authorized observers as may be present, affix a copy of the\r\n \r\nprovisional Consolidated Statement of \r\nResults signed by him at a conspicuous place in his office and send a copy thereof to the Commission.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n93. \r\nPostal ballot.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The following persons may cast their votes by postal ballot in such \r\nmanner as may be pre\r\nscribed\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\na person referred to in sub\r\n-\r\nsections (2) or (3) of section 27;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\na person appointed by the Returning Officer, including police personnel, \r\nfor the performance of any duty in connection with an election at polling \r\nstation other than the one at which he is entitled to cast his vote;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\na person with any physical disabilit\r\ny who is unable to travel and holds a \r\nNational Identity Card with a logo for physical disability issued by the \r\nNational Database and Registration Authority; and \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n19.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n56\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\na person detained in a prison or held in custody. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) A voter who, being entitled to do so, intends to cast his vote by postal ballot shall\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nin the case of a person referred to in clause (a) \r\n1\r\n[\r\n, \r\nclause (c)\r\n \r\nand clause \r\n(d)]\r\n \r\nof sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), within such time as may be specified by the \r\nCommission soon after the issuance of the Election Programme; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nin the case of a person referred to in clause (b) of sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), within \r\nthree days of his appointment; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\napply to th\r\ne Returning Officer of the constituency in which he is a voter for a ballot paper for voting \r\nby postal ballot; and every such application shall specify the name of the voter, his address and his \r\nserial number in the electoral roll. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Returning Off\r\nicer shall upon receipt of an application by a voter under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2) \r\nsend by post to such voter a ballot paper and an envelope bearing on its face a form of certificate of \r\nposting, showing the date thereof, to be filled in by the proper official of t\r\nhe Post Office at the time of \r\nposting by the voter\r\n \r\n1\r\n[:]\r\n \r\n1\r\n[Provided that the date of receipt of the application shall be entered thereon by the Returning \r\nOfficer and application received after the date mentioned in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2) shall not be entertained.]\r\n \r\n1\r\n[(3A) After sending ballot papers to all the entitled applicants, the Returning Officer shall \r\nplace all the counterfoils of the said ballot papers in one or more packets and sign and seal the same, \r\nnoting on each packet the number contained therein.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(\r\n4) \r\nA voter on receiving his ballot paper for voting by postal ballot shall record his vote in the \r\nprescribed manner and, after so recording, post the ballot paper to the Returning Officer in the envelope \r\nsent to him under subsection (3), so as to reach the\r\n \r\nReturning Officer before the \r\n1\r\n[polling day]\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n94. \r\nVoting by Overseas Pakistanis.\r\n—\r\n \r\n2\r\n[(\r\n1) The Commission may conduct pilot projects for \r\nvoting by Overseas Pakistanis in \r\nB\r\nye\r\n-\r\nelections to ascertain the technical efficacy, secrecy, security \r\nand financial feasibility of such voting and shall share the results with the Government, which shall, \r\nwithin fifteen days from the commencement of a session of a House after the receipt o\r\nf the report, lay \r\nthe same before both Houses of \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament).\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) In this section, \r\n‘\r\nOverseas Pakistani\r\n’\r\n \r\nmeans a citizen of Pakistan under the Pakistan \r\nCitizenship Act, 1951 (II of 1951) or holder of National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis under \r\nthe National Database and Registration Authority ordinance, 2000 (VIII of 2000) who is working or \r\nresiding \r\nabroad permanently or temporarily for not less than six months.  \r\n \r\n \r\n95. \r\nConsolidation of results.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Immediately after announcement of provisional results, \r\nthe Returning Officer shall give the contesting candidates and their election agents a notice in \r\nwriting \r\nof the day, time and place fixed for the consolidation of the results, and, in the presence of such of the \r\ncontesting candidates and election agents as may be present, consolidate in the prescribed manner the \r\nResults of the Count furnished by the P\r\nresiding Officers, including therein the postal ballots received \r\nby him before the time fixed for the consolidation of results\r\n \r\n1\r\n[:]\r\n \r\n1\r\n[Provided that presence of not more than one agent of each candidate shall be allowed.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs., \r\nadded and ins. by Act \r\nNo\r\n. \r\nXLIV of 2023, \r\ns\r\ns.\r\n \r\n20\r\n-\r\n21\r\n.\r\n \r\n2\r\nSubs. by Act No. X of 2022, s.\r\n \r\n3.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n57\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nBefore consolidating the Results of the Count, the Returning Officer shall examine the \r\nballot papers excluded from the count by the Presiding Officer and, if he finds that any such ballot \r\n \r\npaper should not have been so excluded, count it as a ballot paper \r\ncast in favour of the contesting \r\ncandidate for whom the vote has been cast. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall also count the ballot papers received by him by post in such \r\nmanner as may be prescribed and include the votes cast in favour of each contesting \r\ncandidate in the \r\nConsolidated Statement except those which he may reject on any of the grounds mentioned in section \r\n90. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe ballot papers rejected by the Returning Officer under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (3) shall be mentioned \r\nseparately in the consolidated statement. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(5)   Before commencement of the proceedings, the Returning Officer shall recount the ballot \r\npapers of one or more polling stations if a request or challenge in writing is made \r\nto that effect by a \r\ncontesting candidate or his election agent and\r\n__\r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe margin of victory between returned and runner up candidates is less than \r\nfive percent of the total votes polled in the constituency or eight thousand votes \r\nin case of National Ass\r\nembly constituency and four thousand votes in case of a \r\nProvincial Assembly constituency, as the case may be, whichever is less; or\r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe number of votes excluded from the count by the Presiding Officer are equal \r\nto or more than the margin of victory:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that the Returning Officer shall recount only once.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nThe Commission may, before conclusion of the consolidation proceedin\r\ngs\r\n \r\n1\r\n[and after notice \r\nto the contesting candidates]\r\n,\r\n \r\nfor reasons to be recorded, direct the Returning Officer to recount the \r\nballot papers of one or more polling stations. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7) \r\nIf there is a difference between the Results of the Count received from the Presiding Officers \r\nand the results of the recount, the Returning Officer shall record the difference and details thereof: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that where the Returning Officer has recount\r\ned the votes under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (5) or \r\nsub\r\n-\r\nsection (6), the consolidation proceedings shall be completed \r\n1\r\n[\r\nwithin\r\n__\r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nseven days after the polling day in the case of elections to the National \r\nAssembly; and\r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nfive days after the polling day in the case \r\nof elections to a Provincial Assembly.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(8) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall, within twenty four hours after the consolidation proceedings, \r\nsend to the Commission signed copies of the Consolidated Statement of the Results of the Count and \r\nFinal Consolidated R\r\nesult together with Results of the Count and the Ballot Paper Account, as received \r\nfrom the Presiding Officers, and shall retain copies of these documents for record. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. and ins. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n21.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n58\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(9) \r\nAfter consolidation of results, the Returning Officer shall give to such contesting candidates \r\nand their election agents \r\n1\r\n[and accredited observers] \r\nas are present during the consolidation proceedings a \r\ncopy of the Consolidated Statement of the Results of \r\nthe Count and the Final Consolidated Result sent to \r\nthe Commission against proper receipt.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(10) \r\nOn receipt of documents under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (8), the Commission shall, within fourteen days \r\nfrom the date of the poll, publish the documents on its website. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n96. \r\nResealing of packets and supply of copies.\r\n—\r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer shall immediately after \r\npreparing the Consolidated Statement of the Results of the Count and the Final Consolidated Result, reseal \r\nin the prescribed manner the packets and statements opened by him for the purpose of consolidation, \r\npe\r\nrmitting such of the candidates and their election agents as may be present to sign the packets and affix \r\ntheir seals  to  such packets.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n97. \r\nEquality of votes.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Where, after consolidation of the Results of the Count, there is equality \r\nof votes betwe\r\nen two contesting candidates, the Returning Officer shall declare both the candidates as \r\nreturned and each one of them shall be entitled to represent his constituency in the respective Assembly for \r\nhalf of its term of office. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Returning Officer s\r\nhall draw a lot in respect of the returned candidates referred to in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) to determine as to who shall serve as Member of the Assembly for the first half of its term of \r\noffice and the name of the candidate, whose name is drawn in the lot, shall \r\nbe notified as such in the official \r\nGazette by the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall draw lots in the presence of such of the contesting candidates and \r\ntheir election agents as may be present.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe Returning Officer shall keep record of\r\n \r\nthe proceedings and obtain on the proceedings \r\nsignature of such of the candidates and election agents as have been witness to the proceedings, and if any \r\nsuch person refuses to sign, such fact shall be recorded. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nIf, in case of death or any other ca\r\nuse one of the returned candidates fails to assume office as a \r\nMember or his seat becomes vacant, the other surviving returned candidate shall serve as a member for \r\nwhole or remainder of the term of the Assembly. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nWhere, on consolidation of results, \r\nthere is equality of votes among more than two contesting \r\ncandidates, the Commission shall issue fresh Election Programme for the constituency and determine the \r\ndate of polling day which shall not be later than sixty days from the date of consolidation of \r\nresults of the \r\nconstituency. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n98. \r\nDeclaration of results.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) On receipt of the Final Consolidated Result from the Returning \r\nOfficer, the Commission shall, within fourteen days from the date of the poll, publish in the official Gazette \r\nthe name of the contesting candidate who has received the highest number of vo\r\ntes and stands elected. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission shall also publish in the official Gazette the name of each contesting candidate \r\nand the total number of votes received by him as in the Final Consolidated Result\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. and subs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s\r\ns\r\n.\r\n \r\n21\r\n-\r\n22.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n59\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nEvery returned candidate shall, within ten days from the poll of an election, submit a return \r\nof election expenses under section 134 and the Commission shall not notify in the official Gazette the \r\nresu\r\nlt of a returned candidate who fails to submit his return of election expenses. \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nThe Commission shall place the documents mentioned in sub\r\n-\r\nsections (1) and (2) on its \r\nwebsite within two days from the date of the publication of the name of the returned candidate in the \r\nofficial Gazette. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n99. \r\nDocuments to be retained by the Commission.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Returning Officer shall seal the \r\ntamper\r\n-\r\nevident \r\nbags provided to him for the purpose after putting in the bags the following \r\ndocuments\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe packets containing the ballot papers each of which shall be sealed \r\nwith the seal of the Presiding Officer or, if opened by the Returning \r\nOfficer, with the seal o\r\nf the Returning Officer; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe packets containing the counterfoils of issued ballot papers; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe packets containing the marked copies of the electoral rolls used in \r\nthe poll; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nthe packets containing the Ballot Paper Account;  \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(da)\r\n \r\nthe \r\npackets containing results of the count, provisional and final \r\nconsolidated statement of results of the count and final consolidated \r\nresults;\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nthe packets containing the Tendered Ballot Papers included in the count; \r\nthe Tendered Ballot Papers excluded fr\r\nom the count; the Tendered Votes \r\nList, and the Challenged Ballot Papers included in the count; the \r\nChallenged Ballot Papers excluded from the count; the Challenged \r\nVotes List; and the Spoilt Ballot Papers; and \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nsuch other papers as the Commission may direc\r\nt. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation.\r\n―\r\n“\r\nTamper\r\n-\r\nevident bag\r\n”\r\n \r\nmeans a specially designed bag approved \r\nby the Commission, having one or more indicators which, if breached, can reasonably be expected to \r\nprovide visible evidence that tampering has occurred. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Of\r\nficer shall, in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed, \r\nbefore sealing the bags under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), endorse in each packet the description of its contents, \r\nthe date of the election to which the contents relate and the name and number of the\r\n \r\nconstituency for \r\nwhich the election was held and shall furnish a certificate to the Commission that the provisions of \r\nsub\r\n-\r\nsections (1) and (2) have been complied with in respect of packets relating to all polling stations \r\nof the constituency.  \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n23.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n60\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall arrange storage space under its control at appropriate places for safe \r\ncustody of tamper\r\n-\r\nevident sealed bags containing the documents specified in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) pertaining \r\nto all constituencies. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) \r\nTill arrangements of storage sp\r\nace are made, the sealed bags shall be deposited in the \r\nTreasury or Sub\r\n-\r\nTreasury and the Treasury Officer or, as the case may be, Sub\r\n-\r\nTreasury Officer shall \r\nensure safety and security of these bags and if any of the bags in his custody is subsequently foun\r\nd \r\ndamaged or tampered with, the Commission shall order an enquiry against the Treasury Officer or \r\nSub\r\n-\r\nTreasury Officer to determine the causes of damage or tampering. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nIf as a result of enquiry held under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (4), the Treasury Officer or Sub\r\n-\r\nTrea\r\nsury \r\nOfficer is found guilty of negligence or a willful act, the competent authority on complaint of the \r\nCommission shall proceed against the Treasury Officer or Sub\r\n-\r\nTreasury Officer for breach of official \r\nduty. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\nIf upon opening of the tamper\r\n-\r\nevident sea\r\nled bag under the order of the Commission, or as \r\nthe case may be, the Election Tribunal, any of the packets containing documents specified in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) is found to have been tampered with, the Returning Officer, or, the Presiding Officer with \r\nwhose s\r\neal the packet was sealed shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions relating to \r\nbreach of official duty.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall retain the documents contained in the packets deposited under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (4) for a period of one year from the da\r\nte of their deposit and shall thereafter, subject to any \r\norder of the Tribunal or other Court, cause them to be destroyed: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that the documents of a constituency where election petition has been filed by a \r\ncandidate shall be retained till final \r\ndisposal of the election petition. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n100. Public inspection of documents.\r\n—\r\nThe documents retained by the Commission under \r\nsection 99 except the ballot papers, shall be open to public inspection at such time and subject to such \r\nconditions as may be prescri\r\nbed and the Commission shall, upon an application made in this behalf \r\nand on payment of such fee and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, furnish copies of, or \r\nextracts from, those documents. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n101. Order for production of documents.\r\n—\r\n(1) An Election Tribunal may order the \r\nopening of packets of counterfoils and certificates or the inspection of any counted ballot papers. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Election Tribunal may refuse to issue order under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) if it is not likely \r\nto have an impact \r\non the result of the election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) An order under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) may be made subject to such conditions as to persons, \r\ntime, place and mode of inspection, production of documents and opening of packets as the Tribunal \r\nmaking the order may think \r\nexpedient\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) Where an order is made under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the production by the Commission of \r\nany document in such manner as may be directed by the order shall be conclusive evidence that the \r\ndocument relates to the election specified in the order and\r\n \r\nany endorsement on any ballot papers or \r\npacket of ballot papers or documents so produced shall be \r\nprima facie\r\n \r\nevidence that the ballot papers \r\nor documents are what the endorsement states them to be. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n61\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) The production from proper custody of a numbered c\r\nounterfoil bearing the signature or \r\nthumb impression of a voter shall be \r\nprima facie\r\n \r\nevidence that the voter was the same person whose \r\nname was on the electoral rolls with the same number as was written on the counterfoil. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) Save as is provided in thi\r\ns section, no person shall be allowed to inspect any rejected or \r\ncounted ballot papers in the possession of the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n102. Bye\r\n-\r\nelections.\r\n—\r\n(1) When the seat of a Member becomes vacant, the Commission \r\nshall, by notification in the official Gazette, \r\ncall upon the constituency concerned to elect a person to \r\nfill the seat for the constituency on such date as may be specified in the notification and the provisions \r\nof this Act and the Rules shall apply, with necessary changes, to the election to fill such\r\n \r\nseat.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 57, the days for the several stages of an \r\nelection shall be such as may be specified in the notification of the Commission under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n103. \r\nElectronic voting and \r\nbiometric verification.\r\n—\r\nThe Commission may conduct pilot \r\nprojects for utilization of electronic voting machines and bi\r\nometric verification system in B\r\nye\r\n-\r\nelections in addition to the existing manual procedures for voter verification, casting and counting of\r\n \r\nvotes to assess the technical efficacy, secrecy, security and financial feasibility of the electronic voting \r\nmachines and biometric verification system and shall share the results with the Government, which \r\nshall, within fifteen days from the commencement\r\n \r\nof a session of a House after the receipt of the \r\nreport, lay the same before both Houses of \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament).\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER VI \r\n \r\nELECTION TO RESERVED SEATS IN AN ASSEMBLY \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n104\r\n. \r\nParty lists for reserved seats.\r\n—\r\n(1) \r\n2\r\n[\r\nNotwithstanding \r\nanything contained in this Act or \r\nany other law for the time being in force or any judgement, decree or order of any court including the \r\nSupreme C\r\nourt and a High Court, for the]\r\n \r\npurpose of election to seats reserved for women and non\r\n-\r\nMuslims in an Assembly\r\n, the political parties contesting election for such seats shall, within the period \r\nfixed by the Commission for submission of nomination papers, file separate lists of their candidates in \r\norder of priority for seats reserved for women and non\r\n-\r\nMuslims with \r\nthe Commission or, as it may \r\ndirect, with the Provincial Election Commissioner or other authorized officer of the Commission, who \r\nshall forthwith cause such lists to be published for information of the public:  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that the list submitted by a \r\npolitical party shall not be subject to change or alteration \r\neither in the order of priority or through addition of new names in the list or omission of any name \r\nafter expiry of the date of s\r\nubmission of nomination papers\r\n \r\n2\r\n[:]\r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\n[\r\nProvided further that if a\r\nny political party fails to submit its list for reserved seats within the \r\naforesaid prescribed time \r\nperiod\r\n, it \r\nshall\r\n \r\nnot be eligible for the quota in the reserved \r\nseats\r\n \r\nat later \r\nstage\r\n.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe par\r\nties’\r\n \r\nlists referred to in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) may contain as many\r\n \r\nnames of additional \r\ncandidates as a political party may deem necessary for contesting seats reserved for women and non\r\n-\r\nMuslims, to provide for any disqualification of candidates during scrutiny of nomination papers or for \r\nfilling of any vacant seats durin\r\ng the term of an Assembly. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nA candidate to a seat reserved for women or non\r\n-\r\nMuslims shall file the nomination papers \r\non the Form on or before the last date fixed for filing of nomination papers for the election and the \r\nnomination papers shall, as nearly \r\nas possible, be scrutinized in the same manner as nomination papers \r\nof candidates on general seats are scrutinized under section 62. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act No. X of 2022, s.\r\n \r\n4.\r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\nSubs. and added by Act No. X\r\nV of \r\n2024, s. 3.      \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n62\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nIf, at any time, the party list is exhausted, the political party may submit a name for any \r\nvacancy which may occur thereafter and the provisions of sub\r\n-\r\nsections (1), (2) and (3) shall, as nearly \r\nas possible, apply to fill such vacancy. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nWhere a seat res\r\nerved for women or non\r\n-\r\nMuslims in an Assembly falls vacant as a result \r\nof death, resignation or disqualification of a Member, it shall be filled in by the next person in order \r\nof precedence from the party‘s list of candidates submitted to the Commission un\r\nder sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1). \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\nBefore notifying the name of the next person in order of priority from the party list, such \r\nperson shall submit a declaration on oath that since the filing of his nomination paper, he has not \r\nbecome subject to any disqualification co\r\nntained in Article 63.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7)\r\n \r\nA candidate contesting election on a seat reserved for women or non\r\n-\r\nMuslims shall, along \r\nwith the nomination papers and its annexures, submit to the Returning Officer appointed by the \r\nCommission in this behalf\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\na copy of \r\nthe party list of the candidate’\r\ns political party for such seats; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ndeclarations and statements in support of the nomination; and \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nproof of deposit of the fee required for filing nomination papers. \r\n \r\n \r\n(8) Where there is equality of share on a reserved seat between two or more political parties, \r\nthe Returning Officer shall declare the returned candidate by drawing of lots. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n104A.\r\n \r\nConsent for joining of political party by independent returned candidate\r\n \r\nto be \r\nirrevocable etc\r\n.\r\n—\r\nNotwithstanding anything contained in this Act or rules or any other law, for the \r\ntime being in force, or a judgment, decree or order of any court including the Supreme Court and a \r\nHigh Court, the declaration, consent or affidavit, \r\nby whatever name called, of an independent returned \r\ncandidate once given for joining a political party shall be irrevocable and canno\r\nt be \r\nsubstituted\r\n \r\nor\r\n \r\nwithdrawn.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER VII \r\n \r\nCONDUCT OF ELECTION TO THE SENATE \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n105.\r\n \r\nReturning Officers and Polling \r\nOfficers.\r\n—\r\nFor the purpose of an election to the Senate, \r\nthe Commission shall appoint a Retu\r\nrning Officer for each Province\r\n \r\n2\r\n[\r\nand \r\nthe Islamabad Capital \r\nTerritory\r\n]\r\n \r\nand shall also appoint such number of Polling Officers to assist the Returning Officer as it \r\nm\r\nay consider necessary. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n106.\r\n \r\nFunctions of Returning Officer.\r\n—\r\n(1) A Returning Officer shall effectively conduct an \r\nelection under this Act and the Rules. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nA Returning Officer shall exercise all necessary powers for maintaining order at the polling \r\nstation and shall report to the Commission any fact or incident which may affect the conduct or fairness \r\nof the poll.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer may, during the cou\r\nrse of the poll, entrust to a Polling Officer such \r\nof his functions as may be specified by him; and it shall be the duty of the Polling Officer to perform \r\nthe functions so entrusted.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act No. XV of \r\n2024, s. 4.\r\n \r\n2\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of \r\n2023, s.\r\n \r\n24.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n63\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer shall authorize one of the Polling Officers to act in his place if he is, \r\nat any time during the poll by reason of illness or other cause, not present at the polling station or is \r\nunable to perform his functions.   \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Offi\r\ncer may, at any time during the poll and, for reasons to be recorded in \r\nwriting, suspend any Polling Officer and make such arrangements as he may consider necessary for \r\nthe performance of the functions of the Polling Officer so suspended.  \r\n \r\n107. Notificati\r\non for election.\r\n—\r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(1)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall, by notification in the official \r\nGazette, call upon the Members of the Assembly of a Province or, as the case may be, the National \r\nAssembly to elect such number of Members to the Senate from that Province or the\r\n \r\nIslamabad Capital \r\nTerritory, as the case may be, as is specified in the notification.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\n \r\nThe Commission shall in the same notification fix\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe last date for making nominations, which shall be the second day after the \r\npublication of the notificatio\r\nn or, if that day is a public holiday, the next \r\nsucceeding day which is not a public holiday; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe last date for publication of the names of the nominated candidates, which \r\nshall be the day following the last date of filing of nomination papers; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe last date for the scrutiny of the nominations, which shall be the third day \r\nfollowing the last dat\r\ne for making nominations or, if that day is a public holiday, \r\nthe next succeeding day which is not a public holiday; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nthe last date for filing of appeals against acceptance or rejection of nominations, \r\nwhich shall be the second day following the last date for the scrutiny of \r\nnominations or, if that day is a public holiday, the next succeeding day which is \r\nnot a public hol\r\niday; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nthe last date for decision of appeals, which shall be the second day \r\nfollowing \r\nthe last date for filing of appeals or, if that day is a public holiday, the next \r\nsucceeding day which is not a public holiday; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nthe last date for publication of the \r\nrevised list of candidates, which shall be the \r\nday following the last date for decision of appeals; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(g)\r\n \r\nthe last date for the withdrawal of candidature, which shall be the day following \r\nthe last date of publication of revised list of candidates or, if that \r\nday is a public \r\nholiday, the next succeeding day which is not a public holiday; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(h)\r\n \r\nthe date on which a poll shall, if necessary, be taken, which shall be a date not \r\nearlier than the seventh day after the publication of the revised list of candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n25.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n64\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\nA Returning Officer shall, within three days after the publication of a notification under \r\nsub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), give public notice of the dates specified by the Commission in respect of electio\r\nn to \r\nthe Senate from a \r\nProvince\r\n \r\n1\r\n[or the \r\nIslamabad Capital Territory\r\n]\r\n, as the case may be, of which he is \r\nthe Returning Officer and the public notice shall be published at some prominent place in his office.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\n \r\nA Returning Officer shall, by the public notice given under subsec\r\ntion (3), invite \r\nnominations specifying the time by which and the place at which nomination papers shall be received \r\nby him. \r\n \r\n108.\r\n \r\nSupply of list of voters.\r\n—\r\nThe Commission shall provide the Returning Officer with a list \r\nof voters for electio\r\nn to the \r\nSenate from a Province\r\n \r\n1\r\n[or the \r\nIslamabad Capital Territory\r\n]\r\n, as the case \r\nmay be. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n109.\r\n \r\nPolling station.\r\n—\r\nThe Commission shall provide a polling station for the purpose of \r\nelection of the Members of the Senate by the Membe\r\nrs of each Provincial Assembly \r\n1\r\n[or \r\nth\r\ne National \r\nAssembly\r\n]\r\n, as the case may be. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n110.\r\n \r\nNomination for election.\r\n—\r\n(1) A voter may propose or second the name of any person \r\nqualified for electio\r\nn to the Senate from a Province\r\n \r\n1\r\n[or the \r\nIslamabad Capital Territory\r\n]\r\n, as the case \r\nmay be. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Every nomination shall be made by a separate nomination paper on Form A signed both \r\nby the proposer and the seconder and shall, on solemn affirmation, be made and signed by the candidate \r\nand shall be accompanied by\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\na declaration that he has consen\r\nted to the nomination and that he fulfills the \r\nqualifications specified in Article 62 and is not subject to any of the \r\ndisqualifications specified in Article 63 for being elected as a Member of the \r\nSenate; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\na declaration that he is a technocrat or \r\naalim\r\n,\r\n \r\nif the nomination papers are filed \r\nfor a seat reserved for technocrat or \r\naalim\r\n; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\na declaration that he has opened an exclusive account\r\n \r\n1\r\n[or dedicated an existing \r\naccount]\r\n \r\nwith a scheduled bank for the purpose of election expenses; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nan attested copy of his National Identity Card; and   \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\na statement of his assets and liabilities and of his spouse and dependent children \r\nas on the preceding thirtieth day of June on Form B.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\nEvery nomination paper shall be delivered to the Returning Officer by the candidate or by \r\nhis proposer or seconder \r\nor if so authorized in writing by the candidate, by his nominee and the \r\nReturning Officer shall acknowledge receipt of the nomination paper specifying the date and time of \r\nreceipt. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs.\r\n \r\nand ins.\r\n \r\nby Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, \r\ns\r\ns.\r\n \r\n25\r\n-\r\n28\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n65\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\n \r\nA person may be nominated by not more than five nomination papers. \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\n \r\nEvery nomination paper shall be accompanied by a certified copy of the relevant extract \r\nfrom the electoral rolls in which the name of the person nominated is enrolled. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer shall assign a serial number to every nomination paper and endorse \r\non it the name of the person presenting it and the date and time of its receipt, and inform such person \r\nof the time and place at which he shall hold scrutiny of the no\r\nmination papers. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer shall cause to be affixed at a conspicuous place in his office a notice \r\nof every nomination paper containing the particulars of the candidates as shown in the nomination \r\npaper. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(8)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Form and accompanying declar\r\nations and statements shall be open to inspection by the \r\npublic, and the Commission shall make available copies of these documents in such manner and on \r\npayment of such fee as may be prescribed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n111.\r\n \r\nDeposit.\r\n—\r\n(1) Subject to sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2), the Returni\r\nng Officer shall not accept a \r\nnomination paper unless\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\na sum of twenty thousand rupees is deposited in cash by the candidate or by any \r\nperson on his behalf at the time of its delivery; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nit is accompanied by a receipt showing that a sum as aforesaid has been \r\ndeposited by the candidate or by any person on h\r\nis behalf at any branch of the \r\nNational Bank of Pakistan or at a Government Treasury or sub\r\n-\r\nTreasury. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nNot more than one deposit under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall be required in the case of a person \r\nwho has been nominated as a candidate by more than one nom\r\nination paper. \r\n \r\n            \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe sum deposited shall be non\r\n-\r\nrefundable. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n112.\r\n \r\nScrutiny.\r\n—\r\n(1) The candidates, their proposers and seconders, and an agent authorized \r\nin writing in this behalf by each candidate, may attend the scrutiny of the nomination papers and the \r\nReturning Officer shall give them reasonable opportunity for examining all the \r\nnomination papers. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer shall, in the presence of the persons attending the scrutiny under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), examine the nomination papers and decide any objection raised by any such person to any \r\nnomination. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer may\r\n, for the purpose of scrutiny, require any agency, authority or \r\norganization, including a financial institution, to produce any document or record or to furnish any \r\nsuch information as may be necessary to determine facts relating to an objection to the can\r\ndidature of \r\na candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer, while scrutinizing nomination paper of a candidate, shall not ask any \r\nquestion which\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n66\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nhas no nexus with the information supplied in the nomination paper; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nhas not arisen from the objections raised by any person or from information \r\nreceived under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (3). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nThe declaration submitted under clause (a) of sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2) of section 110 shall only be \r\nquestioned by the Returning Officer if tangible materi\r\nal to the contrary is available on record. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer may, either on his own motion or upon any objection, conduct such \r\nsummary enquiry as he may think fit and reject a nomination paper if he is satisfied that\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe candidate is not qualifi\r\ned to be elected as a Member; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe proposer or the seconder is not qualified to subscribe to the nomination \r\npaper; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nany provision of section 110 or section 111 has not been complied with or the \r\ndeclaration or statement submitted by the candidate is false or incorrect in any \r\nmaterial particular; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nthe signature of the proposer or seconder is not genuine: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPro\r\nvided that\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nthe rejection of a nomination paper shall not invalidate the nomination of a \r\ncandidate by any other valid nomination paper; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nthe Returning Officer shall not reject a nomination paper on the ground of any \r\ndefect which is not of a substantial nature and ma\r\ny allow any such defect to be \r\nremedied forthwith; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\nthe Returning Officer shall not inquire into the correctness or validity of any \r\nentry in the electoral roll. \r\n \r\n \r\n(7)\r\n \r\n \r\nNotwithstanding anything contained in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (8), where a candidate deposits any \r\na\r\nmount of loan, tax or government dues and utility expenses payable by him of which he is unaware \r\nat the time of filing of his nomination paper such nomination paper shall not be rejected on the ground \r\nof default in payment of such loan, taxes or government\r\n \r\ndues and utility expenses: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that where the Returning Officer is satisfied that the candidate has willfully \r\nconcealed such loan, tax or government dues and utility expenses, he shall reject his nomination paper. \r\n \r\n \r\n(8)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer shall \r\nendorse on each nomination paper his decision accepting or \r\nrejecting it and shall, in the case of rejection, record a brief statement of the reasons his decision. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n113.\r\n \r\nAppeal against scrutiny order.\r\n—\r\n(1) A candidate or an objector may, within the time \r\nspecified by the Commission, file an appeal against the decision of the Returning Officer rejecting or, \r\nas the case may be, accepting a nomination paper to the Tribunal constituted for the purpose consist\r\ning \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n67\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nof a person who is a Judge of a High Court, appointed by the Commission in consultation with the \r\nChief Justice of the High Court concerned. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nAn appeal filed under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall be summarily decided within such time as may \r\nbe notified by the \r\nCommission and any order passed on the appeal shall be final. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\nIf, on the basis of information or material coming to its knowledge by any source, a Tribunal \r\nconstituted under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) is of the opinion that a candidate whose nomination paper has been \r\naccepted is a defaulter of loans, taxes, government dues and \r\nutility expenses or has had any loan written \r\noff or has willfully concealed such fact or suffers from any other disqualification from being elected \r\nas a Member of the Senate, it may, on its own motion, call upon such candidate to show cause why his \r\nnominat\r\nion papers may not be rejected, and if the Tribunal is satisfied that the candidate is actually a \r\ndefaulter or has had a loan written off or suffers from any disqualification, it may reject the nomination \r\npaper of the candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\n \r\nAnnouncement of the day\r\n \r\nand time appointed for the hearing of an appeal under this section \r\nover the radio or television or by publication in the newspaper shall be deemed to be sufficient notice \r\nof the day and time so appointed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n114.\r\n \r\nPublication of list of candidates.\r\n—\r\n(1) Th\r\ne Returning Officer shall, after the scrutiny of \r\nnomination papers, prepare and display in the prescribed manner a list of validly nominated candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nIn case an appeal against rejection or, as the case may be, acceptance of a nomination paper, \r\nis acc\r\nepted by the Tribunal, the list of validly nominated candidates shall be revised accordingly. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall publish the list of validly nominated candidates under this section \r\non its website.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n115.\r\n \r\nWithdrawal.\r\n—\r\n(1) A validly nominated candidate may, by notice in writing signed by \r\nhim and delivered to the Returning Officer on or before the \r\nlast date for withdrawal either by the \r\ncandidate himself or by an agent authorized in writing by the candidate, withdraw his candidature. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation.\r\n—\r\nAuthorization in favour of an agent or advocate shall be attested by a Notary \r\nappointed under the Not\r\naries Ordinance 1961 (XIX of 1961) or an Oath Commissioner appointed \r\nunder the Oaths Act, 1873 (X of 1873) or a Government servant in basic pay scale 17 and above. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nA notice of withdrawal under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall, in no circumstances, be open to reca\r\nll \r\nor cancellation. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\nOn receiving a notice of withdrawal under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the \r\nReturning Officer shall, if \r\nhe is satisfied that the signature on the notice is that of the candidate, cause a copy of the notice to be \r\naffixed at a conspicuous place in his office. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer shall, on the day next following the withdrawal day, prepare and \r\npublish in the prescribed manner a list of contesting candidates and forward a copy of the list to each \r\ncandidate, giving public notice of the date, hour and place of th\r\ne poll. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n68\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer shall publish the notice, list of contesting candidates and public \r\nnotice of the date, hour and place of the poll under sub\r\n-\r\nsections (3) and (4) on the website of the \r\nCommission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n116.\r\n \r\nDeath of a candidate after nomin\r\nation.\r\n—\r\n(1) If a validly nominated candidate who has \r\nnot withdrawn his candidature dies before the day for taking of the poll, the Returning Officer shall, \r\nby public notice, terminate the proceedings for election to the category of seats for which he had fi\r\nled \r\nthe nomination papers and make a report to the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Where the proceedings relating to an election have been terminated under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), \r\nproceedings for fresh election shall be commenced in accordance with the provisions of this Act\r\n \r\nas if \r\nfor a new election: \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that it shall not be necessary for other contesting candidates who have already filed \r\nnomination papers to file fresh nomination papers or make a further deposit under section 111. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n117.\r\n \r\nPostponement under certain \r\ncircumstances.\r\n—\r\nWhere the proceedings relating to \r\nnomination, scrutiny or withdrawal cannot, for reasons beyond the control of the Returning Officer, to \r\nbe recorded in writing, take place on the day appointed for the purpose, he may postpone or adjourn \r\nsuch\r\n \r\nproceedings and shall, with the approval of the Commission, by public notice fix another day for \r\nthe proceedings so postponed or adjourned, and, if necessary, also the day or days for any subsequent \r\nproceedings. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n118. \r\nUncontested election.\r\n—\r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(1)\r\n \r\nWhere, after scrutiny of nomination papers  or withdrawal \r\nunder section 115, the number of validly nominated candidates or, as the case may be, the contesting \r\ncandidates from a Province or Islamabad Capital Territory is less than or equal to the number of\r\n \r\nseats \r\nto be filled for that Province or Islamabad Capital Territory, as the case may be, the Returning Officer \r\nshall, by public notice, declare such candidates to be elected to the seats and send a return of election \r\nto the Commission.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Of\r\nficer shall not declare any candidate elected uncontested under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) until the period appointed for filing of appeal against the decision of scrutiny of nomination \r\npapers has expired and where an appeal is filed, until the disposal of the appeal\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall publish in the official Gazette the names of the returned candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nWhere the number of candidates declared elected under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) is less than the \r\nnumber of seats to be filled, fresh proceedings shall be commenced i\r\nn accordance with the provisions \r\nof this Act, as if for a new election, to fill the vacant seat or seats. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n119.\r\n \r\nContested election.\r\n—\r\nIf after withdrawals, if any, the number of candidates exceeds the \r\nnumber of seats, the Returning Officer shall, on the appointed day, conduct the poll, after giving a \r\nnotice of the poll to the contesting candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n_____________________________________\r\n_________________________________________\r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n29.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n69\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n120.\r\n \r\nHours of poll.\r\n—\r\nThe Returning Officer shall, subject to any direction of the Commission, \r\nfix the hours during which the poll shall be taken and give public notice of the hours fixed for the poll. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n121.\r\n \r\nAdjourned poll.\r\n—\r\n(1) If at any time the poll is interrupted or obstructed \r\nfor reasons \r\nbeyond the control of the Returning Officer, he may stop the poll and shall inform the Commission of \r\nhis having done so. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nWhere a poll is stopped under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Returning Officer shall immediately \r\nreport the circumstances to the C\r\nommission and appoint, with the approval of the Commission, a day \r\nfor a fresh poll and fix the place at which, and the hours during which such fresh poll shall be taken. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nAll voters shall be allowed to vote at the fresh poll taken under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2) and a vote \r\ncast at the poll stopped under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall not be counted. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n122\r\n. \r\nVoting procedure.\r\n—\r\n(1) All voters shall be entitled to vote at an election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nNo vote shall be given by proxy. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nEach voter shall have only one transferab\r\nle vote for each category of seats irrespective of \r\nthe number of seats to be filled for such category\r\n \r\n1\r\n[.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[(4) \r\nA voter shall cast his vote in the prescribed manner\r\n.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5) \r\nThe ballot papers shall be in such form as the Commission may specify.  \r\n \r\n \r\n(6) \r\nThe poll for election of Members of the Senate shall be held by secret ballot. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n123\r\n. \r\nProceedings at the close of poll.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Immediately after the close of \r\n \r\npoll, the Returning \r\nOfficer shall proceed with the counting of votes in the prescribed manner. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nOn the completion of counting, the Returning Officer shall prepare and certify a return of \r\nthe election and submit the same to the Commission in the prescribed manner. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nEvery returned candidate shall, within five days from the date of election, submit ret\r\nurn \r\nof election expenses in accordance with the provisions of section 134. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n124.\r\n \r\nDeclaration of result of election.\r\n—\r\n \r\nOn receipt of the returns of the election, the \r\nCommission shall publish in the official Gazette and on its website the names of the returned \r\nc\r\nandidates:   \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. and omitted by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n30.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n70\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that the name of a candidate shall not be published who fails to submit the return of \r\nelection expenses. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n125.\r\n \r\nAppeal against count.\r\n—\r\n(1) A contesting candidate who is aggrieved by any proceedings \r\nrelating to the count of votes may file an appeal cha\r\nllenging the count to the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nAn appeal under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) may be filed by the candidate in person or through a \r\nperson authorized in writing by the candidate in this behalf, within three days next following the date \r\nof the completion of the c\r\nount of votes by the Returning Officer.  \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe appeal shall be addressed to the Commission and filed with the Secretary of the \r\nCommission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nThe appeal shall be in the form of a memorandum which shall state the grounds for such \r\nappeal and shall be accompanied by copies of receipts to the effect that the appellant has served a copy \r\nof the appeal personally or by registered post to each contestin\r\ng candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nThe Commission may, after giving the parties an opportunity of being heard\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\ndismiss the appeal; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ndetermine the result of the election on the count of valid votes as corrected, after \r\nadjudicating upon the invalid votes, if any, and m\r\nake such consequential order \r\nas may be necessary. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\nThe decision of the Commission on appeal under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (5) shall be final. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7)\r\n \r\nNo question that can be settled in an appeal under this section shall be raised by an election \r\npetition or before any court or authority whatsoever, nor shall any question that can be raised by an \r\nelection petition be raised before any court or authority o\r\nther than the Election Tribunal. \r\n \r\n \r\n126\r\n. \r\nCommission to have certain powers of a court.\r\n—\r\nFor the purpose of the disposal of an \r\nappeal, the Commission shall have the same powers as are vested in a court under the Code of Civil \r\nProcedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908) w\r\nhen trying a suit in respect of the following matters\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nenforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ncompelling the discovery and production of documents, articles or things; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nissuing commissions for the examination of witnesses; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nrequiring the deposit of diet and travelling expenses of witnesses; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nreceiving evidence on affidavits; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\ngranting adjournments; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(g)\r\n \r\nsummoning and examining, on its own motion, any person whose evidence \r\nappears to be material. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n71\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n127\r\n. \r\nCasual \r\nvacancy.\r\n—\r\n(1) When, before the expiration of the term of the office of a Member \r\nelected to the Senate, his seat becomes vacant or is declared vacant or his election to the Senate is \r\ndeclared void, the Commission shall, by notification in the official Gazett\r\ne, call upon the Members of \r\nthe Provincial Asse\r\nmbly\r\n \r\n1\r\n[or \r\nthe National Assembly\r\n]\r\n, as the case may be, to elect a person for the \r\npurpose of filling the vacancy on such date as may be specified in the notification; and the provisions \r\nof this Act and the Rules\r\n \r\nshall apply, in relation to the election of a Member to fill the vacancy. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nWhen the seats of two or more Members, who were elected to the Senate by a Provincial \r\nAssembly, \r\n1\r\n[or \r\nthe National Assembly\r\n]\r\n, become vacant, as the case may be, and whose term of \r\noffice \r\nwas due to expire on the same day become vacant simultaneously, elections to fill such seats may be \r\nheld together. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nWhen the seats of two or more Members, who were elected to the \r\nSenate by a Provincial \r\nAssembly\r\n \r\n1\r\n[or \r\nthe National Assembly\r\n]\r\n \r\nand whose term of office was due to expire on different dates \r\nbecome vacant simultaneously, elections to fill such seats may be held separately. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n128.\r\n \r\nExtension of time for completion of election.\r\n—\r\nThe Commission may, for reasons which \r\nit considers sufficient\r\n, extend the time for completion of an election to the Senate by making necessary \r\namendments in the notification issued under section 107.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n129.\r\n \r\nTerm of office.\r\n—\r\n(1) The term of office of a Member of the Senate shall commence on \r\nthe date of the first meeting \r\nof the Senate held after the names of the persons elected to the Senate are \r\nnotified by the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nIf a candidate is elected as Member of the Senate on a seat which has become vacant or a \r\nseat declared vacant or a seat where election of a Member of\r\n \r\nthe Senate is declared void and another \r\ncandidate is declared to have been elected in his place, the term of such candidate shall be the unexpired \r\nterm of such Member. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nIf the election of all the Members declared elected under this Chapter is declared void, the \r\nterm of the Members elected in their places shall be the unexpired term of the Members whose election \r\nis declared void. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n130.\r\n \r\nVacancy in electoral college not \r\nto invalidate election.\r\n—\r\n \r\nAn election of a Member \r\nof the Senate by the Members of a Provincial Assembly\r\n \r\nor Members of the National Assembly, as \r\nthe case may be, shall not be called in question on the ground merely of the existence of any vacancy \r\nin the memb\r\nership of the Assembly.]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n130.\r\n \r\nDrawing of lots.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) For the purpose of dividing the Members into two groups, the \r\nCommission shall draw lots in the prescribed manner and in the presence of such Members or persons \r\nauthorized by them in writing as may be present\r\n, after notifying in the official Gazette the time and \r\nplace of drawing of lots. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s\r\ns\r\n.\r\n \r\n31\r\n-\r\n32\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n72\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(\r\n2) \r\nThe term of office of each Member determined under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall be notified by \r\nthe Commission in the official Gazette. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nIf the election of a Member whose term of office is determined under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) is \r\ndeclared void and another candidate i\r\ns declared elected in his place, the term of such candidate shall \r\nbe the unexpired term of such member. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nIf the election of all the Members is declared void, the Members elected in their place shall \r\nbe divided into two groups and the term of their office\r\n \r\nshall be determined and notified in the manner \r\nspecified in sub\r\n-\r\nsections (1) and (2): \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that the term of office of the Members so elected shall be the unexpired term of the \r\nMembers of the respective groups. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER VIII \r\n \r\nELECTION EXPENSES AND STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n132\r\n. \r\nRestriction on election expenses.\r\n—\r\n(1) The election expenses of a candidate shall \r\ninclude the expenses incurred by any person or a political party on behalf of the candidate or incurred \r\nby a\r\n \r\npolitical party specifically for the candidate\r\n \r\n1\r\n[from the date of filing of his nomination papers till \r\nthe date of issue of the final consolidated result under section 95]\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nWhere any person incurs any election expenses on behalf of a candidate, whether for \r\nstationery, postage, advertisement, transport or for any other item, such expenses shall be deemed to \r\nbe the election expenses incurred by the candidate himself. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe e\r\nlection expenses of a contesting candidate shall not exceed\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\none million and five hundred thousand rupees for election to a seat in the Senate; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\n1\r\n[ten] \r\nmillion rupees for election to a seat in the National Assembly; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\n1\r\n[four]\r\n \r\nmillion rupees for election to a seat in a Provincial Assembly. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nA candidate shall, through bills, receipts and other documents, vouch for every payment \r\nmade in respect of ele\r\nction expenses, except where the amount is less than one thousand rupees. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nIf election expenses of a candidate are disputed, the Commission may conduct an enquiry \r\nto ascertain whether the election expenses, incurred by any person other than the candidate\r\n, were \r\nincurred with his permission and if the expenses were incurred without his permission, it would not be \r\ndeemed to be election expenses on behalf of the candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n133.\r\n \r\nBank account for election expenses.\r\n—\r\n(1) For purposes of his election \r\nexpenses, a \r\ncandidate shall open an exclusive\r\n \r\n1\r\n[account or dedicated his existing]\r\n \r\naccount with any branch of a \r\nscheduled bank before the date fixed for scrutiny of nomination papers and maintain, or cause to be \r\nmaintained, a register of receipts and expen\r\nditures. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. and subs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s\r\ns\r\n.\r\n \r\n33\r\n-\r\n34\r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n73\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nA candidate shall not make any transaction towards the election expenses through an account \r\nother than the account opened\r\n \r\n1\r\n[or dedicated under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1)]\r\n \r\nfor the purpose.  \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nA candidate may open \r\n1\r\n[or dedicate]\r\n \r\nthe bank account for election expenses with an amount \r\nnot exceeding the limit of election expenses provided under section 132\r\n \r\n1\r\n[:]\r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\nProvided that if a candidate intends to use his existing account f\r\nor the purpose, he shall \r\nsubmit statement of account to the Returning Officer at the time of filing of nomination papers:\r\n \r\nProvided further that any transaction other than the election expenses shall not be made \r\nthrough the exclusively opened or dedicated e\r\nxisting account from filing of nomination papers till \r\nfiling of return of election expenses.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n134\r\n. \r\nReturn of election expenses.\r\n—\r\n(1) A contesting candidate, other than the returned \r\ncandidate, shall submit the return of his election expenses on Form C within thirty days of the \r\npublication of the name of the returned candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The return of election expenses of the returned candidate and a contesting candidate shall \r\nbe submitted to the Returning Officer on Form C. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n135\r\n. \r\nInspection of returns.\r\n—\r\n(1) Immediately on receipt, the returns and document\r\ns \r\nsubmitted under section 1\r\n34, \r\nshall be sent by the Returning Officer  to the Commission and shall, for \r\na period of one year from the date of receipt by it, be open to inspection by any person on payment of \r\nthe prescribed fee. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Commission shall, on an application made in \r\nthis behalf and on payment of the \r\nprescribed fee, give any person copies of any return or document or any part thereof kept under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n136\r\n. \r\nAction relating to election expenses.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission shall, in accordance with \r\nsuch procedure as\r\n \r\nmay be prescribed but within ninety days from the date of submission of a return of \r\nelection expenses, scrutinize or cause to be scrutinized the return of election expenses submitted by \r\neach contesting candidate including the returned candidate.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nIf t\r\nhe Commission fails to finalize scrutiny of any return of election expenses within ninety \r\ndays under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the return of election expenses shall be deemed to be scrutinized and \r\naccepted as correct.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\nWhere after scrutiny of returns under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Commission is of the view that a \r\ncandidate has acted in contravention of the provisions of section 132, the Commission shall direct an \r\nauthorized officer to file a complaint against such candidate for committing the offence of corrupt \r\nprac\r\ntice. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\n \r\nWhere a contesting candidate fails to file requisite returns within the specified period, the \r\nReturning Officer shall cause a notice to be issued to such candidate calling upon him to show cause \r\nwhy proceedings may not be initiated against him for failure \r\nto file requisite returns and if despite \r\n_________________________________________________________________________________\r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. and added by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n34.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n74\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nservice of notice, he does not comply with the provisions of section 134, the Returning Officer shall \r\nreport the matter to the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\n \r\nOn receipt of report under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (4), the Commission shall issue notice calling upon \r\nthe candidate to show c\r\nause as to why a complaint may not be filed against him for failure to file \r\nrequisite returns. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe candidate may file an application for condonation of delay in filing the returns along \r\nwith the return and the Commission may condone the delay, if it is\r\n \r\nsatisfied that such failure was made \r\nin good faith due to circumstances beyond the control of the candidate, and accept the return.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7)\r\n \r\n \r\nIn case of rejection of application for condonation of delay under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (6), the \r\nCommission shall direct an aut\r\nhorized officer to file a complaint against such candidate for committing \r\nthe offence of illegal practice. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n137\r\n. \r\nSubmission of statement of assets and liabilities.\r\n—\r\n(1) Every Member of an Assembly \r\nand Senate shall submit to the Commission, on or before 31st December each year, a copy of his \r\nstatement of assets and liabilities including assets and liabilities of his spouse and dependent children \r\nas on the preceding thi\r\nrtieth day of June on Form B.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Commission, on the first day of January each year through a press release, shall publish \r\nthe names of Members who failed to submit the requisite statement of assets and liabilities within the \r\nperiod specified under su\r\nb\r\n-\r\nsection (1). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Commission shall, on the sixteenth day of January, by an order suspend the \r\nmembership of a Member of an Assembly and Senate who fails to submit the statement of assets and \r\nliabilities by the fifteenth day of January and such Member s\r\nhall cease to function till he files the \r\nstatement of assets and liabilities. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\n \r\nWhere  a  Member  submits  the  statement  of  assets  and liabilities  under  this section \r\nwhich  is  found  to  be  false  in material particulars, he may, within one hundr\r\ned and twenty days \r\nfrom the date submission of the statement, be proceeded against for committing the offence of corrupt \r\npractice. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n138\r\n. \r\nPublication of statement of assets and liabilities.\r\n—\r\nThe Commission shall publish in the \r\nofficial Gazette the statemen\r\nts of assets and liabilities\r\n \r\nreceived by it under section 137 and any person \r\nmay obtain copies of a statement of assets and liabilities on payment of prescribed fee. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER IX \r\n \r\nELECTION DISPUTES \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n139\r\n. \r\nElection petition.\r\n—\r\n(1) No election shall be called in question except by an election \r\npetition filed by a candidate for that election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nIn this Chapter\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\n‘\r\ncorrupt or illegal practice\r\n’ \r\nmeans a ‘\r\nc\r\norrupt practice’ or an ‘\r\nillegal practice\r\n’\r\n \r\nas \r\ndefined in Chapter X; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n75\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\n‘\r\npetitioner\r\n’ \r\nmeans the candidate who has filed an election petition; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\n‘\r\nrespondent\r\n’\r\n \r\nmeans a person joined as respondent in the election petition under \r\nsection 143. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n140\r\n. \r\nAppointment of Election Tribunals.\r\n—\r\n(1) For the trial of election petitions under this \r\nAct, the Commission shall appoint as many Election Tribunals as may be necessary for swift disposal \r\nof election petitions. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nAn Election Tribunal shall comprise\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nin the case of an election to an Assembly or the Senate, a person who is \r\n1\r\n[or has \r\nbeen] \r\n2\r\n[* *\r\n \r\n*\r\n]\r\n \r\na Judge of a High Court; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nin the case of an\r\n \r\nelection to a local government\r\n \r\n1\r\n[a person who is or has been]\r\n,\r\n \r\na District and Sessions Judge or \r\n1\r\n[a person wh\r\no is or has been] \r\nan Additional \r\nDistrict and Sessions Judge. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(3) In case of appointment of a sitting Judge as the Election Tribunal, the Commission shall \r\nconsult with the Chief Justice of the High Court concern\r\ned\r\n.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n141\r\n. \r\nPowers of the \r\nElection Tribunal.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Election Tribunal shall have all the powers \r\nof a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), and shall be \r\ndeemed to be a civil court within the meaning of sections 476, 480 and 482 of the Co\r\nde. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) For the purpose of enforcing attendance of witnesses, the local limits of the jurisdiction of \r\nthe Election Tribunal shall be the territories to which this Act extends. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n142\r\n. \r\nPresentation of petition.\r\n—\r\n(1) An election petition shall be presented to the Election \r\nTribunal within forty\r\n-\r\nfive days of the publication in the official Gazette of the name of the returned \r\ncandidate and shall be accompanied by a receipt showing that the petitioner has deposited at \r\nany branch \r\nof the National Bank of Pakistan or at a Government Treasury or Sub\r\n-\r\nTreasury in favour of the \r\nCommission, under the prescribed head of account, as security for the costs of the petition, such \r\namount as may be prescribed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nAn election peti\r\ntion shall be deemed to have been presented\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nwhen delivered to the Election Tribunal appointed under section 140\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nby the petitioner in person; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nby a person authorized in writing in this behalf by the petitioner; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nwhen sent by registered post or courier service to the Election Tribunal by the \r\npetitioner. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns.\r\n \r\nand subs. by Act No. XI of 2024, s. 2.\r\n \r\n2\r\nOmitted by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n35.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n76\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) An election petition, if sent by registered post or courier service, shall be deemed to have \r\nbeen presented in time if it is posted or sent within the period specified in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n143\r\n. \r\nParties to the petition.\r\n—\r\n(1) The petitioner shal\r\nl join as respondents to his election \r\npetition all other contesting candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe Election Tribunal may direct the petitioner to join any other person as respondent \r\nagainst whom any specific allegation of contravention of this Act has been made. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nTh\r\ne petitioner shall serve a copy of the election petition with all annexures on each \r\nrespondent, personally or by registered post or courier service, before or at the time of filing the \r\nelection petition. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n144\r\n. \r\nContents of petition.\r\n—\r\n(1) An election petition shall contain\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\na precise statement of the material facts on which the petitioner relies; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nfull particulars of any corrupt or illegal practice or other illegal act alleged to \r\nhave been committed, including names of the parties who are alleged to have \r\ncommitted such corrupt or illegal practice or illegal act and the date and place \r\nof the commissi\r\non of such practice or act. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)  \r\nThe following documents shall be attached with the petition\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\ncomplete list of witnesses and their statements on affidavits; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ndocumentary evidence relied upon by the petitioner in support of allegations \r\nreferred to in \r\n1\r\n[clause \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nof sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1)]\r\n; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\naffidavit of service to the effect that a copy of the petition along with copies of \r\nall annexures, including list of witnesses,\r\n \r\naffidavits and documentary evidence, \r\nhave been sent to all the respondents by registered post or courier service; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nthe relief claimed by the petitioner. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) \r\nA petitioner may claim as relief any of the following declarations\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthat the election of the returned candidate is void and petitioner or some other \r\ncandidate has been elected; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthat the election of the returned candidate is partially void and that fresh poll be \r\nordered in one or more polling stations; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthat the election as a whole is void and fresh poll be conducted in the entire \r\nconstituency.  \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n36.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n77\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4) An election petition and its annexures shall be signed by the petitioner and the petition \r\nshall be verified in the m\r\nanner laid down in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908) for the \r\nverification of pleadings. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n145\r\n. \r\nProcedure before the Election Tribunal.\r\n—\r\n(1) If any provision of section 142, 143 or \r\n144 has not been complied with, the Election Tribunal shall summarily reject the election petition. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) If an election petition is not rejected under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Election Tribunal shall issue \r\nnotice \r\nto each of the respondents through\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nregistered post acknowledgement due; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ncourier service or urgent mail service; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nany electronic mode of communication, which may include radio, television, \r\nemail and short message service (sms); \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\naffixing a copy of the notice at some conspicuous part of the house, if any, in \r\nwhich the respondent is known to have last resided or at a \r\nplace where the \r\nrespondent is known to have last carried on business or personally worked for \r\ngain;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\npublication in two widely circulated daily newspapers at the cost of the \r\npetitioner; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nany other manner or mode as the Tribunal may deem fit. \r\n \r\n \r\n146\r\n. \r\nAppearance before Election Tribunal.\r\n—\r\n(1) Any appearance, application or act before \r\nan Election Tribunal may be made or done by a party in person or by an advocate or any other person \r\nentitled or allowed to plead in a civil court and duly appointed to act\r\n \r\non his behalf: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that the Tribunal may, where it considers it necessary, direct any party to appear in \r\nperson. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) If a respondent fails to appear before the Election Tribunal on a date of hearing despite \r\nservice of notice through any one of the modes mentioned in section 145, the Tribunal shall proceed \r\nagainst the respondent \r\nex\r\n-\r\nparte\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n147\r\n. \r\nContents of \r\nreply.\r\n—\r\n(1) The reply by a respondent to an election petition shall contain a \r\nprecise statement of the material facts on which the respondent relies to rebut the allegations in the \r\nelection petition. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe respondent shall, amongst others, attach the \r\nfollowing documents with the reply\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\ncomplete list of witnesses and their statements on affidavits; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n78\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ndocumentary evidence relied upon by the respondent to rebut the allegations in \r\nthe election petition. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) In addition to dismissal of the election petition, the respondent may claim costs of the \r\nproceedings as well as award of special costs if the election petition is held to be frivolous or vexatious. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n148\r\n. \r\nProcedure before Election Tribunal for trial\r\n \r\nof petitions.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) Subject to this Act and \r\nthe Rules, the trial of an election petition\r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\nshall be\r\n,\r\n]\r\n \r\nas nearly as possible, in accordance with the \r\nprocedure applicable under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908) to the trial of suits and \r\nthe \r\nQ\r\nanun\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShahadat\r\n \r\nOrder, 1984 (President\r\n’\r\ns Order. No. X of 1984). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe Election Tribunal shall, unless it directs otherwise for reasons to be recorded, order any \r\nor all the facts to be proved or disproved by affidavit and may, for the purposes of expeditious disposal, \r\napply such other procedure as the circumstances of the\r\n \r\ncase may warrant. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n \r\n*]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\n \r\nOn filing of reply by the respondent, the Election Tribunal may, with the consent of parties, \r\nfix specific dates for trial and disposal of the petition, providing for continuous hearing without \r\nadjournment. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(5) If the parties do not consent to specific dates under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (4), the Election Tribunal \r\nshall proceed with the trial of the election petition on day\r\n-\r\nto\r\n-\r\nday basis and no adjournment shall be \r\ngranted to any party for more than seven days and tha\r\nt too on payment of one hundred thousand rupees \r\nand the election petition shall be decided within one hundred and eighty days of its filing.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\nIf an election petition is not finally decided within one hundred and \r\n1\r\n[eighty] \r\ndays\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nfurther adjournment sought by a party shall be granted only on payment of \r\nspecial costs \r\n1\r\n[ranging from ten thousand to fifty]\r\n \r\nthousand rupees per \r\nadjournment and adjou\r\nrnment shall not be granted for more than three days; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nif the Election Tribunal itself adjourns the election petition, it shall record \r\nreasons for such adjournment; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nwhere the delay in the proceedings is occasioned by any act or omission of a \r\nretur\r\nned candidate or any other person acting on his behalf, the Election \r\nTribunal itself or on application of the aggrieved party, may, after issuance of \r\nshow cause notice to the returned candidate and within fifteen days of the date \r\nof show cause notice, orde\r\nr that the returned candidate has ceased to perform \r\nthe functions of his office either till the conclusion of the proceedings or for \r\nsuch period as the Tribunal may direct; and \r\n \r\n \r\n________________________________________________________________________________________________\r\n_________________________\r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs.\r\n \r\nand omitted\r\n \r\nby Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n37.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n79\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nif a serving Judge is the Election Tribunal, the Commission shall request the \r\nChie\r\nf Justice of the High Court that no judicial work other than election \r\npetitions should, to the extent practicable, be entrusted to him till the final \r\ndisposal of the election petitions.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Election Tribunal may, for reasons to be recorded, refuse to \r\nexamine any witness if it \r\nis of the opinion that the evidence of such witness is not material for the decision of the election petition \r\nor that the party on whose behalf such witness has been summoned has done so on frivolous grounds \r\nor with a view to dela\r\nying the proceedings. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(8)\r\n \r\n \r\nNotwithstanding anything contained in any other law, no document shall be inadmissible \r\nin evidence at the trial of an election petition only on the ground that it is not properly stamped or \r\nregistered under the relevant law. \r\n \r\n \r\n(9)\r\n \r\n \r\nA witness shall not be excus\r\ned from answering any question as to any matter in issue or \r\nrelevant to a matter in issue in the trial of an election petition upon the ground that the answer to such \r\nquestion may incriminate or tend to incriminate him or that it may expose or tend to expo\r\nse him to any \r\npenalty or forfeiture, but a witness shall not be required or permitted to state for whom he has voted at \r\nan election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(10)\r\n \r\nA witness who truly answers all questions which he is required to answer may be granted \r\na certificate of indemnity by th\r\ne Election Tribunal and an answer given by him to a question put by or \r\nbefore the Tribunal shall not, except in the case of any criminal proceeding for perjury in respect of \r\nhis evidence, be admissible in evidence against him in any civil or criminal proce\r\nedings. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(11)\r\n \r\nA certificate of indemnity granted to any witness under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (10) may be pleaded \r\nby him in any court and shall be a full and complete defence to or upon any charge under Chapter IXA \r\nof the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act LXV of 1860) or un\r\nder this Act, arising out of the matters to \r\nwhich such certificate relates, but it shall not be deemed to relieve him from any disqualification in \r\nconnection with an election imposed by any law. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(12)\r\n \r\nThe Election Tribunal shall direct any party to pay reason\r\nable expenses incurred by any \r\nperson in attending the Tribunal to give evidence and shall, unless the Tribunal otherwise directs, be \r\ndeemed to be part of the costs. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n149\r\n. \r\nAmendment of petition.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Election Tribunal may, at any time before the \r\ncommencement of recording of evidence and upon such terms and on payment of such costs as it may \r\ndirect, allow the petitioner to amend the election petition in such manner as may, in its opinion, be \r\nnec\r\nessary for ensuring a fair and effective trial and for determining the real questions at issue but shall \r\nnot permit raising of a new ground of challenge to the election through such amendment. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) At any time during the trial of an election petition, t\r\nhe Election Tribunal may call upon the \r\npetitioner to deposit such further sum by way of security, in addition to the sum deposited under section \r\n142 as it may deem fit and shall dismiss the election petition, if the petitioner fails to make the further \r\ndep\r\nosit.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n150.\r\n \r\nPlace of trial.\r\n—\r\nThe trial of an election petition shall be held at such place or places as the \r\nTribunal may think fit.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n80\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n151.\r\n \r\nPower to transfer petition.\r\n—\r\nThe Commission may at any stage, on its own motion or \r\non an application of a party and for reason\r\ns to be recorded, transfer an election petition from one \r\nElection Tribunal to another Election Tribunal and the Election Tribunal to which the election petition \r\nis transferred\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a) \r\n \r\nshall proceed with the trial of the election petition from the stage fro\r\nm which it \r\nis transferred; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b) \r\n \r\nmay, if it deems fit, recall and examine any witness who has already been\r\n \r\nexamined.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n152.\r\n \r\nAdvocate\r\n-\r\nGeneral to assist the Election Tribunal.\r\n—\r\nThe Advocate\r\n-\r\nGeneral for a \r\nProvince shall, if an Election Tribunal requires, assist the Tribunal at the hearing of an election petition \r\nin such manner as it may require. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n153.\r\n \r\nRecrimination where seat is claimed.\r\n—\r\n(1) Where in an election petition a declaratio\r\nn \r\nis claimed that a candidate other than the returned candidate has been elected, the returned candidate \r\nor any other respondent may produce evidence to prove that the election of such other candidate would \r\nhave been declared void had he been the returned \r\ncandidate and had a petition been presented calling \r\nhis election in question. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Election Tribunal shall not allow the returned candidate or other respondent to produce \r\nevidence under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) unless he has, within the fourteen days next following the \r\ncommencement of the trial, given notice to the Tribunal of his intention t\r\no produce such evidence and \r\nhas also deposited the amount under section 142. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\nEvery notice referred to in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2) shall be accompanied by a statement of the case, \r\nand all the provisions relating to the contents, verification, trial and procedure\r\n \r\nof an election petition, \r\nor to the security deposit in respect of an election petition, shall apply to such a statement as if it were \r\nan election petition. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n154\r\n. \r\nDecision of the Election Tribunal.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Election Tribunal may, upon the \r\nconclusion of t\r\nhe trial of an election petition, make an order\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\ndismissing the petition; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ndeclaring\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nthe election of the returned candidate to be void and directing that fresh \r\npoll be held in one or more polling stations; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nthe election of the returned candidate to be void and the petitioner or any \r\nother contesting candidate to have been elected; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\nt\r\nhe election as a whole to be void and directing that fresh election be \r\nheld in the entire constituency. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n81\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Save as provided in section 155, the decision of an Election Tribunal on an election petition \r\nshall be final. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n155\r\n. \r\nAppeal against decision of Election Tribunal.\r\n—\r\n(1) Any person aggrieved by the final \r\ndecision of the Election Tribunal in respect of a\r\nn election petition challenging election to an Assembly \r\nor Senate may, within thirty days of the date of the decision, appeal to the Supreme Court. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Any person aggrieved by the final decision of the Election Tribunal in respect of an election \r\npeti\r\ntion challenging election to a local government, may, within thirty days of the date of the decision, \r\nappeal to the High Court having jurisdiction and the decision of the High Court on such appeal shall \r\nbe final. \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(3) An appeal under sub\r\n-\r\nsections (1) and\r\n \r\n(2) shall be decided within one hundred and eighty \r\ndays:\r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that an injunctive order if passed shall stand vacated automatically if the \r\nappeal is not decided by the High Court or the Supreme Court, as the case may be, within one hundred \r\nand eighty \r\ndays.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n156\r\n. \r\nGround for declaring election of returned candidate void.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Election Tribunal \r\nshall declare the election of the returned candidate to be void if\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe nomination of the returned candidate was invalid; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe returned candidate was not, on the nomination day, qualified for, or was \r\ndisqualified from, being elected as a Member; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe election of the returned candidate has been procured or induced by any \r\ncorrupt or illegal practice; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\na corrupt or illegal practice has been committed by the returned candidate or his \r\nelection agent or by any other person with the consent or conniv\r\nance of the \r\ncandidate or his election agent. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nIf the contravention or corrupt or illegal practice is proved at a polling station, the Election \r\nTribunal may, while declaring election of the returned candidate void, direct re\r\n-\r\npoll at the polling \r\nstation\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe election of a returned candidate shall not be declared void on the ground\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthat any corrupt or illegal practice has been committed, if the Election Tribunal is \r\nsatisfied that it was not committed by or with the consent or \r\nconnivance of that \r\ncandidate or his election agent and that the candidate and the election agent took \r\nall reasonable precaution to prevent its commission; or\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nAdded by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n38.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n82\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthat any of the other contesting candidates was, on \r\nthe nomination day not \r\nqualified for or was disqualified from, being elected as a Member. \r\n \r\n \r\n157\r\n. \r\nGround for declaring a person other than a returned candidate elected.\r\n—\r\nThe \r\nElection Tribunal shall declare the election of the returned candidate to be void an\r\nd the petitioner or \r\nany other contesting candidate to have been elected, if it is claimed by the petitioner or any of the \r\nrespondents, and the Tribunal is satisfied that\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe petitioner or other contesting candidate obtained more votes than the \r\nreturned candidate; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\n \r\nthe voters deliberately threw away their votes in favour of the returned \r\ncandidate fully knowing that the returned candidate was not, on the nomination \r\nday, qualified for, or was disqualified from, being elected as a Member.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation.\r\n—\r\nThe Election T\r\nribunal shall presume, unless the contrary is proved, that the \r\nvoters have not deliberately thrown away their votes and were not aware of lack of qualification or \r\ndisqualification of the returned candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n158\r\n. \r\nGround for declaring election as a whole \r\nvoid.\r\n—\r\n1\r\n[(1)\r\n]\r\n \r\nThe Election Tribunal shall \r\ndeclare the election as a whole to be void if it is satisfied that the result of the election has been \r\nmaterially affected by reason of\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe failure to comply with the provisions of this Act or the Rules in connivance \r\nwith the returned candidate; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe prevalence of extensive corrupt or illegal practices at the election. \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(2)   If  the  Election  Tribunal finds that the  \r\nfailure to comply with this Act or the rules \r\nmentioned in clause\r\n \r\n(a) of sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) is due to negligence of one or more Presiding Officers or \r\nthe Returning Officers and not in connivance with the returned  candidate,  it  shall  direct the \r\nCommission t\r\no initiate criminal proceedings  against the negligent Presiding Officers or Returning  \r\nOfficers under section 184 read with section 188, as well as disciplinary proceedings against them \r\nunder section 55 and pending final decision in these proceedings, rem\r\nuneration due to them  in  \r\nconnection  with  the election shall be withheld.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n159\r\n. \r\nDecision in case of equality of votes.\r\n—\r\n(1) In case of election to an Assembly, where, \r\nafter the conclusion of the trial there is an equality of votes between two contesti\r\nng candidates, the \r\nElection Tribunal shall declare both the candidates as returned candidates and each one of them shall \r\nbe entitled to represent his constituency in the Assembly for half of its term of office. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Election Tribunal shall draw a lot in respect of returned candidates referred to in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) to determine as to who shall serve as Member of the Assembly for the first half of its term \r\nof office and shall take into account the period any returne\r\nd candidate has already served as Member \r\nof the Assembly after the election. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nN\r\numbered and added by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n39.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n83\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\nBefore proceeding to draw a lot under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2), the Election Tribunal shall give \r\nnotice to the contesting candidates\r\n \r\nbetween whom there is equality of votes and shall proceed to draw \r\na lot on the date, time and place stated in the notice: \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that if the contesting candidates are present when it appears that there is an equality \r\nof votes between them, the Election Tribunal may proceed forthwith to draw a lot without giving \r\nnotice. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nThe Election Tribunal shall keep a record of the pro\r\nceedings of draw of lot under this section \r\nand obtain signatures of such candidates and their agents who witnessed the proceedings, and if any \r\nsuch person refuses to sign, such fact shall be recorded. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nOn receipt of the declaration under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1),\r\n \r\nthe Commission shall notify the name \r\nof the candidate in the official Gazette on whom the lot drawn under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2) had fallen. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\nWhere there is equality of votes among more than two contesting candidates at the \r\nconclusion of the trial, the Election Tribunal shall order fresh election in the constituency on a date to \r\nbe determined by the Commission but not later than sixty days from \r\nthe date of order of the Tribunal. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n160\r\n. \r\nOther provisions relating to the Election Tribunal.\r\n—\r\n(1) An order of the Election \r\nTribunal under section 154 shall take effect on the date on which it is made and shall be communicated \r\nto the Commission and the Co\r\nmmission shall publish it in the official Gazette. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Election Tribunal shall, after an election petition has been disposed of, forward the \r\nrecord of the election petition to the Commission which shall retain it for a period of five years from \r\nthe\r\n \r\ndate of its receipt or till the disposal of appeal against the decision of the Tribunal, if any, and shall \r\nthereafter cause it to be destroyed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n161\r\n. \r\nWithdrawal of petition.\r\n—\r\n(1) The petitioner may, with the leave of the Election \r\nTribunal, withdraw the \r\nelection petition. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Where leave to withdraw is granted under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Election Tribunal shall order \r\nthe petitioner to pay the costs or a portion of the costs incurred by the respondents. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n162\r\n. \r\nAbatement on death of petitioner.\r\n—\r\n(1) An election petition shal\r\nl abate on the death of \r\na sole petitioner or of the sole survivor of several petitioners. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Where an election petition abates under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Election Tribunal shall serve \r\nnotice of the abatement on the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n163.\r\n \r\nDeath or withdrawal o\r\nf respondent.\r\n—\r\nIf, before the conclusion of the trial of an election \r\npetition, a respondent dies or gives notice in the prescribed form that he does not intend to contest the \r\npetition, and no respondent remains to contest the petition, the Election Tribunal\r\n \r\nshall, without any \r\nfurther hearing, or after giving such person as it may think fit an opportunity of being heard, decide \r\nthe case \r\nex\r\n-\r\nparte.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n84\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n164.\r\n \r\nFailure of petitioner to appear.\r\n—\r\nWhere, at any stage of the trial of an election petition, \r\nthe petitioner fails\r\n \r\nto make appearance, the Election Tribunal may dismiss the petition for default, and \r\nmake such order as to costs as it may think fit. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n165.\r\n \r\nAdditional powers of Election Tribunal.\r\n—\r\n(1) If an Election Tribunal, on the basis of \r\nany material coming to its knowledge from any source or information laid before it, is of the opinion \r\nthat a returned candidate was a defaulter of loan, taxes, government dues and utility expenses, or has \r\nsubmit\r\nted a false or incorrect declaration regarding payment of loans, taxes, government dues and \r\nutility expenses or has submitted a false or incorrect statement of assets and liabilities of his own, his \r\nspouse or his dependents it may, on its own motion or oth\r\nerwise, call upon such candidate to show \r\ncause why his election should not be declared void and, if it is satisfied that such candidate is a defaulter \r\nor has submitted false or incorrect declaration or statement, as aforesaid, it may, without prejudice to \r\nany order that may be, or has been made on an election petition, or any other punishment, penalty or \r\nliability which such candidate may have incurred under this Act or under any other law for the time \r\nbeing in force, make an order\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\ndeclaring the electio\r\nn of the returned candidate to be void; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ndeclaring any other contesting candidate to have been duly elected if any of the conditions \r\n \r\nspecified in section 157 are proved to the satisfaction of the Election Tribunal. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) No order shall be made und\r\ner sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) unless the returned candidate has been \r\nprovided an opportunity of being heard. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n166\r\n. \r\nOrder as to costs.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Election Tribunal may, while making an order under section \r\n154, also make an order determining the costs and specifying th\r\ne persons by and to whom such costs \r\nare to be paid. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nIf in any order as to costs under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), there is a direction for the payment of \r\ncosts by any party to any person, such costs shall, if they have not already been paid, be payable in full \r\nand shall, upon application in writing in that behalf made\r\n \r\nto the Election Tribunal within ninety days \r\nof the order by the person to whom costs have been awarded, be paid, as far as possible, out of the \r\nsecurity for costs deposited by such party. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nWhere no costs have been awarded against a party who has deposite\r\nd security for costs, \r\nor where no application for payment of costs has been made within ninety days or where a residue \r\nremains after costs have been paid out of the security, the Election Tribunal shall, on application of the \r\nperson who made the deposit of\r\n \r\nsecurity or by his legal representative, return the security or the residue \r\nof the security to the person making the application. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nIf no application for refund of security or residue of the security is made after the expiry \r\nof ninety days of the final d\r\necision, such security or, as the case may be, residue of the security shall \r\nstand forfeited in favour of the Government. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nIf the order for payment of costs remains unsatisfied, the person to whom costs have been \r\nawarded by the Election Tribunal may file\r\n \r\nan application in the principal civil court of original \r\njurisdiction of the district in which the person from whom the costs are to be recovered resides or owns \r\nproperty, or of the district in which the constituency, or any part of the constituency, or of\r\n \r\na Province \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n85\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nin case of election to the Senate, as the case may be, to which the disputed election relates is situated \r\nfor recovery of the costs and the court shall execute an order for costs as if such order were a decree \r\npassed by that court. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER X\r\n \r\n \r\nOFFENCES, PENALTIES AND PROCEDURES \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n167\r\n. \r\nCorrupt practice.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of the offence of corrupt practice if he\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nis guilty of bribery, personation, exercising undue influence, capturing of \r\npolling station or polling booth, tampering with papers, and making or \r\npublishing a false statement or declaration; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ncalls upon or persuades any person to vote, or to refrain fro\r\nm voting, for any \r\ncandidate on the ground that he belongs to a particular religion, province, \r\ncommunity, race, caste, \r\nbradari\r\n, sect or tribe\r\n \r\n1\r\n[or is of a particular gender or is \r\na transgender person]\r\n;\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\ncauses or attempts to cause any person present and waiting to vote at the polling \r\nstation to depart without voting; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\ncontravenes the provisions of section 132. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n168\r\n. \r\nBribery.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of bribery, if he, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any \r\nother person on his behalf\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(1)\r\n \r\nreceives or agrees to receive or contracts for any gratification for voting or refraining from \r\nvoting, or for being or refraining from being a \r\ncandidate at, or for withdrawing or retiring from an \r\nelection; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\ngives, offers or promises any gratification to any person\r\n—\r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nfor the purpose of inducing\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\na person to be, or to refrain from being, a candidate at an election; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\na voter to vote, or refrain from voting, at an election; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\na candidate to withdraw or retire from an election; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nfor the purpose of rewarding\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\na person for having been, or \r\nfor having refrained from being, a candidate \r\nat an election; \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n40.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n86\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\na voter for having voted or refrained from voting at an election; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\na candidate for having withdrawn or retired from an election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation\r\n.\r\n—\r\nIn this section, \r\n‘gratification’\r\n \r\nincludes a gratification in money or estimable in \r\nmoney and all forms of entertainment or employment. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n169.\r\n \r\nPersonation.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of personation, if he votes or applies for a ballot paper \r\nfor voting, as some other person whether that other person is living or dead or fictitious. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n170.\r\n \r\nUndue influence.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of exercising undue influence if he\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nin order\r\n \r\nto induce or compel any person to vote or refrain from voting, or to \r\noffer himself as a candidate, or to withdraw his candidature or retire from the \r\ncontest, at an election, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person \r\non his behalf\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nmakes\r\n \r\nor threatens to make use of any force, violence or restraint;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\ninflicts or threatens to inflict any injury, damage, harm or loss;\r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\ncalls down or threatens to call down divine displeasure or the displeasure \r\nor disapprobation of any saint or \r\npir\r\n;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iv)\r\n \r\ngives or threatens to give any religious sentence; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(v)\r\n \r\nuses or threatens to use any official influence or governmental \r\npatronage;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(vi)\r\n \r\nmaligns the Armed Forces of Pakistan; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[(vii) \r\n \r\nprevents any woman \r\nor a transgender person \r\nfrom contesting an election \r\nor exercising \r\nthe \r\nright to vote.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\non account of any person having voted or refrained from voting, or having \r\noffered himself as a candidate, or having withdrawn his candidature or having \r\nretired, does any of the acts specified in clause (a). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\ndirectly or indirectly, by himself or by any o\r\nther person on his behalf\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nuses any place of religious worship, or any place reserved for the \r\nperformance of religious rites, for the purpose of canvassing for the \r\nvotes or not to vote at an election or for a particular candidate; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo\r\n. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n41.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n87\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nfor any of the purposes specified in sub\r\n-\r\nclause (i) by words, spoken or \r\nwritten, or by signs or visible representation, publishes anything or does \r\nany act prejudicial to the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or \r\ndefence of Pak\r\nistan or any part of Pakistan; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nby abduction, duress or any fraudulent device or contrivance\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nimpedes or prevents the free exercise of the franchise by a voter; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\ncompels, induces or prevails upon any voter to vote or refrain from \r\nvoting.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation.\r\n—\r\nIn this section, ―\r\n \r\n“\r\nharm\r\n”\r\n \r\nincludes social ostracism or excommunication or \r\nexpulsion from any caste or community. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n171\r\n. \r\nCapturing a polling station or polling booth.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of capturing a polling \r\nstation or polling booth if he\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nseizes a polling station or a polling booth or a place fixed for the poll or makes \r\n1\r\n[election officials]\r\n \r\nsurrender the ballot papers or ballot box or both \r\n1\r\n[or] \r\ndoes \r\nany other act \r\nwhich affects the orderly conduct of elections; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ntakes possession of a polling station or a polling booth or a place fixed for the \r\npoll and allows his supporters to exercise their right to vote while preventing \r\nothers from free exercise of their right to\r\n \r\nvote;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\ncoerces, intimidates or threatens, directly or indirectly, any voter and prevents \r\nhim from going to the polling station or a place fixed for the poll to cast his \r\nvote; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nbeing in the service of any Government or corporation or institution co\r\nntrolled \r\nby the Government, commits all or any of the aforesaid activities or aids or \r\nconnives in, any such activity in furtherance of the prospects of the election of \r\na candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n172\r\n. \r\nTampering with papers.\r\n—\r\n(1) Except as provided in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2), a person is guilty \r\nof tampering with papers, if he\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nintentionally defaces or destroys any nomination paper, ballot paper or official \r\nmark on a ballot paper; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nintentionally takes out of the polling station any ballot paper or puts into any \r\nballot box any ballot paper other than the ballot paper he is au\r\nthorized by law \r\nto put in; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nwithout due authority\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n___________________________________________________________________________\r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n42.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n88\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nsupplies any ballot paper to any person; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\ndestroys, takes, opens or otherwise interferes with any ballot box or \r\npacket of ballot papers in use for the purpose of election; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\nbreaks any seal affixed in accordance with the provisions of this Act; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nforges any ballot paper or official mark; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\ncauses any delay or interruption in the beginning, conduct or completion of the \r\nprocedure required to be immediately carried out on the close of the poll. \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) An election official on duty in connection with the election who is guilty of the offence \r\nunder\r\n \r\nsub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six \r\nmonths or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees or with both\r\n \r\n1\r\n[in addition to \r\nsuch penalty as may be imposed as a result of disciplinary action in\r\nitiated by the Commission under \r\nsection 55]\r\n.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n173\r\n. \r\nMaking or publishing a false statement or declaration.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of making \r\nor publishing a false statement or declaration if he makes or publishes a false statement or submits \r\nfalse or incorrect declaration in any material particular\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nconcerning the personal character of a candidate or any of his r\r\nelations \r\ncalculated to adversely affect the election of such candidate or for the purpose \r\nof promoting or procuring the election of another candidate, unless he proves \r\nthat he had reasonable grounds for believing and did believe, the statement to \r\nbe true; \r\nor \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nrelating to the symbol of a candidate whether or not such symbol has been \r\nallocated to such candidate; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nregarding the withdrawal of a candidate; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nin respect of statement of assets and liabilities or any liability with regard to \r\npayment of loans, taxes, government dues and utility expenses. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n174.\r\n \r\nPenalty for corrupt practice.\r\n—\r\nAny person guilty of the offence of corrupt practice shall \r\nbe punished with im\r\nprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may \r\nextend to one hundred thousand rupees or with both.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n175.\r\n \r\nIllegal practice.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of the offence of illegal practice if he\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nis guilty of disorderly conduct near a polling station, canvassing in or near a \r\npolling station, interferes with the secrecy of voting, or adversely affects the \r\ninterests of a candidate;  \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n43.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n89\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nobtains or procures, or att\r\nempts to obtain or procure, the assistance of any \r\nperson in the service of Pakistan to further or hinder the election of a candidate;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nvotes or applies for a ballot paper for voting at an election knowing that he is \r\nnot qualified for, or is disqualified\r\n \r\nfrom, voting;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nvotes or applies for a ballot paper for voting more than once in the same polling \r\nstation;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nvotes or applies for a ballot paper for voting in more than one polling station for \r\nthe same election;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nremoves a ballot paper from a polling station during the poll; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(g)\r\n \r\nviolates restrictions on publicity laid down in section 180 or restrictions on \r\nannouncement of development schemes under section 181;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(h)\r\n \r\nviolates prohibition on public meetings during a certain period as provided in \r\nsection 182; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nfails to comply with se\r\nction 134 relating to election expenses; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(j)\r\n \r\ncarries or displays any kind of weapon or fire arm in a public meeting or \r\nprocession during campaign period, on the poll day and till twenty four hours \r\nafter the announcement of the official results by the Return\r\ning Officer; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(k)\r\n \r\nresorts to aerial firing or uses firecrackers and other explosives at public \r\nmeetings or in or near a polling station; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(l)\r\n \r\nresorts to violence in any form or manner against an election official or any \r\nother person officially deputed to wo\r\nrk at a polling station. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation.\r\n—\r\nThe word ―\r\n \r\n“\r\nweapon\r\n”\r\n \r\nused in clause (j) includes a \r\ndanda\r\n, \r\nlathi\r\n, knife, axe or \r\nany other thing which can be used as a weapon to inflict injury to a person. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n176\r\n. \r\nDisorderly conduct near polling station.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of disorderly conduct near \r\na polling station if he, on the polling day\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nuses, in such manne\r\nr as to be audible within the polling station, any \r\ngramophone, megaphone, loudspeaker or other apparatus for reproducing or \r\namplifying sounds; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\npersistently shouts in such manner as to be audible within the polling station; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\ndoes any act which\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n90\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\ndisturbs or causes annoyance to any voter visiting a polling station for \r\nthe purpose of voting; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\ninterferes with the performance of the duty of an election official or any \r\nperson on duty at a polling station; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nabets the doi\r\nng of any of these acts. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n177\r\n. \r\nCanvassing in or near the polling station.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of canvassing in or near \r\na polling station if he, on the polling day\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nwithin a radius of four hundred meters¬ of a polling station\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\ncanvasses for votes; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nsolicits the vote of any voter; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\npersuades any voter not to vote at the election or for a particular \r\ncandidate; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nexhibits, except with the permission of the Returning Officer and at a place \r\nreserved for the candidate or his election agent beyond the radius of one hundred \r\nmeters of the polling station, any notice, sign or flag designed to encourage the \r\nvoters to vote \r\nor discourage the voters from voting, for any contesting candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n178\r\n. \r\nInterference with the secrecy of voting.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of interference with the \r\nsecrecy of voting if he\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\ninterferes or attempts to interfere with a voter when he records h\r\nis vote; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nin any manner obtains or attempts to obtain in a polling station information as \r\nto the candidate or candidates for whom a voter is about to vote or mark his \r\npreferences in case of election to the Senate or has voted or, as the case may be, \r\nmarked his prefe\r\nrences;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\ncommunicates at any time any information obtained in a polling station as to the \r\ncandidate or candidates for whom a voter is about to vote or mark his \r\npreferences or has voted or marked his preferences;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\ntakes or attempts to take a photograp\r\nh of the marked ballot paper by using cell \r\nphone camera or any other device to interfere with the secrecy of vote; or \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nin any other manner discloses the secrecy of the vote. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n179.\r\n \r\nAdversely affecting the interests of candidate.\r\n—\r\nA person is guilty of adversely \r\naffecting the interests of any person as a candidate if he, as a proposer or seconder, or in a fictitious \r\nname as a proposer or seconder, wilfully does any act which he is prohibited by law from doing, or \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n91\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nomits to do any act\r\n \r\nwhich he is required by law to do, or makes any entry in a Form which is not \r\ncorrect, or subscribes to a Form a signature which is not genuine. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n180.\r\n \r\nRegulation of publicity.\r\n—\r\n(1) No political party shall run a publicity campaign in print \r\nand electronic media at the cost of public exchequer. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall determine the size of posters, handbills and pamphlets, which the \r\ncandidates or political parties may use for canva\r\nssing for an election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nNo person or a political party shall\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\naffix or distribute posters, handbills, pamphlets, banners or portraits larger than \r\nthe sizes prescribed by the Commission; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nprint or publish, or cause to be printed or published, any pos\r\nter, handbill or \r\npamphlet which does not bear on its face the names and addresses of the printer \r\nand the publisher; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\naffix hoardings or panaflexes of any size; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nhoist party flag at any public building or any other public property;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\ndo wall chalking for the purpose of canvassing for an election; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nuse loudspeaker for canvassing except at election meetings. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nNo person shall remove or deface the posters aff\r\nixed by a candidate or political party or \r\nprevent workers of a candidate or political party from distribution of handbills and leaflets. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nThe regulatory authority dealing with print or electronic media shall comply with the \r\ndirection of the Commission to submit a report in respect of the publicity campaign by a political party \r\nor a candidate.   \r\n \r\n \r\n181.\r\n \r\nProhibition of announcement of development sc\r\nhemes.\r\n—\r\nNo Government functionary \r\nor elected representative including a local government functionary or elected representative, shall \r\nannounce any development scheme for a constituency after the announcement of the Election \r\nProgramme of that constituency. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n182.\r\n \r\nProhibition of public meetings during certain period.\r\n—\r\nNo person shall convene, hold \r\nor attend any public meeting, or promote or join in any procession, within the area of a constituency \r\nor, in the case of the Senate election, a Province, during a period \r\nof forty\r\n-\r\neight hours ending at midnight \r\nfollowing the conclusion of the poll for any election in that constituency or Province.  \r\n \r\n \r\n183.\r\n \r\nPenalty for illegal practice.\r\n—\r\nA person guilty of the offence of illegal practice shall be \r\npunishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend \r\nto one hundred thousand rupees or with both. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n92\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n184.\r\n \r\nViolation of official duty in \r\nconnection with election.\r\n—\r\nA person appointed to perform \r\nany function in connection with an election is guilty of violation of official duty, if he wilfully or \r\nnegligently\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\n1\r\n[*\r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n*\r\n \r\n*]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ninfluences a voter as mentioned in section 186; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nfails to discharge any duty entrusted to him under this Act or Rules or any other \r\nlaw.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n185\r\n. \r\nFailure to maintain secrecy.\r\n—\r\nAn election official or any candidate, election agent or \r\npolling agent or a voter attending a polling station or any person attend\r\ning at the counting of votes is \r\nguilty of an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with \r\nfine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both, if he\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nfails to maintain secrecy or aids in violating the sec\r\nrecy of voting; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ncommunicates, except for any purpose authorized by any law to any person \r\nbefore the poll is closed, any information as to the official marks; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\ncommunicates any information obtained at the counting of votes as to the \r\ncandidate or can\r\ndidates for whom any vote is given or a preference is recorded, \r\nas the case may be, by any particular ballot paper. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n186\r\n. \r\nOfficials not to influence voters.\r\n—\r\nAn election official or any other person performing \r\na duty in connection with an election, or any member of a law enforcement agency, is guilty of breach \r\nof official duty, if he, in the conduct or management of an election or maintenance of order at a poll\r\ning \r\nstation\r\n—\r\n  \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\npersuades any person to give his vote; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ndissuades any person from giving his vote; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\ninfluences in any manner the voting of any person; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\ndoes any other act calculated to influence the result of the election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n187.\r\n \r\nAssistance by Governme\r\nnt servant.\r\n—\r\nA person in the service of Pakistan is guilty of \r\nviolation of official duty in connection with an election, if he mis\r\n-\r\nuses his official position in a manner \r\ncalculated to influence the results of the election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n188.\r\n \r\nPenalty for violation of \r\nofficial duty in connection with election.\r\n—\r\nAn election official \r\nor any other person on duty in connection with an election who is guilty of an offence under section \r\n184, section 186 or section 187 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may \r\nextend \r\nto two years or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees or with both. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nOmitted by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n44.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n93\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n189.\r\n \r\nEnrollment as voter for more than once.\r\n—\r\nIf a person is enrolled on the electoral roll \r\nfor any electoral area more tha\r\nn once or on the electoral rolls for more than one electoral area, the \r\nperson or any Registration Officer, who knowingly enrolls a voter for more than once, shall be \r\npunishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine not ex\r\nceeding \r\none hundred thousand rupees or with both. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n190.\r\n \r\nCognizance and trial.\r\n—\r\n(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law but \r\nsubject to section 193, an offence under this Chapter shall be tried by the Sessions Judge and any \r\naggrieved person may, \r\nwithin thirty days of the passing of the final order, file an appeal against the \r\norder in the High Court which shall be heard by a Division Bench of the High Court. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe proceedings against a person for being involved in corrupt or illegal practice may be \r\ninitiated on a complaint made by a person or by the Commission but if a complaint made by the person \r\nproves to be false, based on bad faith or is made for any ulterio\r\nr motive to provide benefit to another \r\nperson, the complainant shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six \r\nmonths or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees or with both. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Commission may direct that the summary\r\n \r\ntrial of an offence under this Act may be \r\nconducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XX of the Code. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation\r\n.\r\n—\r\nIn this section, ―\r\n \r\n“\r\nSessions Judge\r\n”\r\n \r\nincludes an Additional\r\n \r\nSessions Judge. \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n190\r\nA. Certain offences cognizable.\r\n__\r\n \r\nNotwithstanding anything contained in the Code, \r\noffences punishable under sections 174, 176, 177 and 179 shall be cognizable.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n191\r\n. \r\nProsecution of offences by public officers.\r\n—\r\n(1) No court shall take cognizance of the \r\noffence punishable under section 18\r\n8, 189 or 195, except upon a complaint in writing, made by order \r\nof or under the authority of the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall, if it has reason to believe that any offence specified in sub\r\n-\r\nsection \r\n(1) has been committed, cause an enquiry to be made or prosecution to be instituted against the accused \r\nperson, as it may think fit. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nAn offence specified in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall be exclusively triable by the Court of Sessions \r\nwithin the jurisdiction of which the offence is committed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nIn respect of an offence specified in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), provisions of section 494 of the Code, \r\nshall have effect as if, after the\r\n \r\nword and comma \r\n“\r\nmay\r\n”\r\n, therein, the words \r\n“\r\nif so directed by the \r\nCommission and\r\n”\r\n \r\nwere inserted. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n192\r\n. \r\nCertain offences triable by Registration Officer.\r\n—\r\nNotwithstanding anything \r\ncontained in the Code, the Registration Officer, if authorized by the Commission, may\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nexercise the powers of a Magistrate of the first class under the said Code in \r\nrespect of the offences punishable under sections 172, 173, 174\r\n, 175, 177, 178, \r\n \r\n_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________\r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n45.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n94\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n179, 180, 182, 186, 187, 188, 189, 191, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200,464 or 471 of \r\nthe Pakistan Pena\r\nl Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860); and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ntake cognizance of any such offence and shall try it summarily under Chapter \r\nXX of the Code. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n193\r\n. \r\nCertain offences triable by authorized officers.\r\n—\r\nNotwithstanding anything contained \r\nin the Code, an officer exercis\r\ning the powers of a civil or criminal court, or an officer of the Armed \r\nForces, or an officer performing a duty in connection with an election, who is authorized by the \r\nCommission in this behalf may\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nexercise the powers of a Magistrate of the first class under the Code in respect \r\nof the offences of personation, or capturing of polling station or polling booth \r\npunishable under section 174; and  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ntake cognizance of any such offence under section 190 of\r\n \r\nthe Code; and shall \r\ntry it summarily under Chapter XX of the Code. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n194\r\n. \r\nPowers of a Police Officer.\r\n—\r\nA Police Officer may\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\narrest without warrant, notwithstanding anything contained in the Code, any \r\nperson who\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\ncommits personation or an offence under section 183 if the Presiding \r\nOfficer directs him to arrest such person; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nwhile being removed from the polling station by the Presiding Officer, \r\ncommits any offence at the polling station; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nremove any notice, s\r\nign, banner or flag used in contravention of section 177; \r\nand \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nseize any instrument or apparatus used in contravention of section 176 and take \r\nsuch steps, including use of force, as may be reasonably necessary for \r\npreventing such contravention. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n195\r\n. \r\nI\r\nnformation not to be divulged.\r\n—\r\nAny person who\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nbeing an employee of the Commission publishes or communicates to any \r\nperson, any information or data acquired by him in the course of such \r\nemployment without being authorized by the Commission; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nbreaches, in any manner, the security or integrity of the i\r\nnformation or data \r\ncontained in the electoral rolls database;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nhaving possession of any information or data which to his knowledge has been \r\nobtained or disclosed in contravention of this Act or in breach of the security, \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n95\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nsecrecy or integrity thereof, pu\r\nblishes or communicates that information or data \r\nto any other person; or  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nmisuses or abuses, in any manner, the information or data contained in the \r\nelectoral rolls database; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nshall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one ye\r\nar or with fine \r\nwhich may extend to one hundred thousand rupees or with both. \r\n \r\n \r\n196\r\n. \r\nOffences punishable under Pakistan Penal Code.\r\n—\r\n(1) If any person\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nattacks the polling station or polling booth; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ncauses or attempts to cause any injury to a person or loss of public property at \r\nthe polling station;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nexhibits or uses weapons or makes aerial firing in or around the polling station; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\ndisturbs the polling proceedings or causes to harass the voters t\r\no leave the \r\npolling station without voting; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nsnatches or attempts to snatch the ballot boxes or ballot papers; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nkidnaps or attempts to kidnap the Presiding Officer or polling staff; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(g)\r\n \r\ndoes any other act at the polling station;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\npunishable under the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860), the Presiding Officer shall \r\nreport in writing the occurrence to the Returning Officer who shall refer the matter to the Head of \r\nDistrict Police for registration of a case against the alleged\r\n \r\noffender.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Head of District Police shall send a copy of the First Information Report\r\n \r\nto the Court \r\nof competent jurisdiction and shall submit to the Provincial Election Commissioner periodical report \r\nabout the progress in investigation of the c\r\nase. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n197\r\n. \r\nCourt to report convictions to the Commission.\r\n—\r\n(1) A Court convicting any person \r\nfor an offence punishable under this Chapter, other than corrupt practice, shall send a report to the \r\nCommission of such conviction together with its recommendat\r\nions, if any, considering the special \r\ncircumstances of any case, for the mitigation or remission of any disqualification incurred by such \r\nperson under this Act.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Commission shall publish the report received under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) on its website.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n198.\r\n \r\nPunishment not in derogation of any other liability.\r\n—\r\nAny punishment imposed on \r\nany person for an offence punishable under this Chapter shall be in addition to, and not in derogation \r\nof, any liability incurred by such person under any other provision of\r\n \r\nthis Act. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n96\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n199.\r\n \r\nProvisions of the Code to apply.\r\n—\r\nIn the matters relating to reporting, investigation, \r\nsummons, warrants, enquiry, trial of an offence or other ancillary matters where any provision or any \r\nsufficient provision does not exist in this Act or the Rules, the provisions of the Code shall apply \r\nin \r\nthe matter. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER XI \r\n \r\nPOLITICAL PARTIES \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n200\r\n. \r\nFormation of political parties.\r\n—\r\n(1) Subject to this Act, it shall be lawful for any body \r\nof individuals or association of citizens to form, organize, continue or set\r\n-\r\nup a political party. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nA politic\r\nal party shall have a distinct identity of its structures at the national, provincial and \r\nlocal levels, wherever applicable. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nEvery political party shall have a distinct name. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nNotwithstanding anything contained in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), a political party shall not\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\npropagate any opinion, or act in a manner prejudicial to the fundamental \r\nprinciples enshrined in the Constitution; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nundermine the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan, public order or public \r\nmorality or indulge in terrorism;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\npromote sectarian, regional or provincial hatred or, animosity;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nbear a name as a militant group or section or assign appointment titles to its \r\nleaders or office\r\n-\r\nbearers which connote leadership of armed groups; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nimpart any military or para\r\n-\r\nmilitary training to its members or other persons; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nbe formed, organize\r\nd, set\r\n-\r\nup or convened as a foreign\r\n-\r\naided political party. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n201\r\n. \r\nConstitution of political parties.\r\n—\r\n(1) A political party shall formulate its constitution, \r\nby whatever name called, which shall include\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe aims and objectives of the political party; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\norganizational structure of the political party at the Federal, Provincial and local \r\nlevels, whichever is applicable; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nmembership fee to be paid by the members, where applicable; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\ndesignation and tenure of the office\r\n-\r\nbearers of the political party; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\ncriteria for receipt and collection of funds for the political party; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n97\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nprocedure for\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nelection of office\r\n-\r\nbearers;  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\npowers and functions of office\r\n-\r\nbearers including financial decision\r\n-\r\nmaking; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\nselection or nomination of party candidates for election to public offices \r\nand legislative bodies; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iv)\r\n \r\nresolution of disputes between members and political party, including \r\nissue\r\ns relating to suspension and expulsion of members; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(v)\r\n \r\nmethod and manner of amendments in the constitution of the political \r\nparty. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nEvery political party shall provide a printed copy of its constitution to the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nAny change in the constitution of a political party shall be communicated to the \r\nCommission within fifteen days of incorporation of the change and the Commission shall maintain \r\nupdated record of the constitutions of all the political parties. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n202\r\n. \r\nEnlistment of political parties.\r\n—\r\n(1) A political party formed after the commencement \r\nof this Act shall, within thirty days of its formation, apply to the Commission for enlistment of the \r\npolitical party. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe application for enlistment shall be accompani\r\ned by a copy of the constitution of the \r\npolitical party, the certificate and the information required to be submitted under section 201 and \r\nsection 209, a copy of consolidated statement of its accounts under section 210, a list of at least two \r\nthousand mem\r\nbers with their signatures or thumb impressions along with copies of their National \r\nIdentity Cards, and proof of deposit of two hundred thousand rupees in favour of the Commission in \r\nthe Government Treasury as enlistment fee. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall enlist\r\n \r\na political party applying for enlistment under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) \r\nif the Commission is satisfied that the political party fulfills the requirements specified in sub\r\n-\r\nsection \r\n(2). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nA political party enlisted by the Commission before the commencement of this\r\n \r\nAct shall \r\nbe deemed to have been enlisted under this Act provided it has filed with the Commission the \r\ndocuments mentioned in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2) and if not, it shall submit the documents within sixty days \r\nfrom the commencement of the Act. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nIf an enlisted p\r\nolitical party fails to file the documents under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2) within the \r\ntime stipulated under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (4), the Commission shall cancel the enlistment of the political party \r\nafter affording an opportunity of being heard to that political party.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n98\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\nA political party which has been refused enlistment or whose enlistment has been \r\ncancelled under this section may, within thirty days of the refusal or cancellation of enlistment, file an \r\nappeal before the Supreme Court. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7)\r\n \r\nWhere the Government declares t\r\nhat a political party has been formed or is operating in a \r\nmanner prejudicial to the sovereignty, or integrity of Pakistan, it shall within fifteen days of such \r\ndeclaration refer the matter to the Supreme Court.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n203\r\n. \r\nMembership of political parties.\r\n—\r\n(\r\n1) Every citizen, not being in the service of \r\nPakistan, shall have the right to form or be a member of a political party or be otherwise associated \r\nwith a political party or take part in political activities or be elected as an office\r\n-\r\nbearer of a political\r\n \r\nparty. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nWhere a person joins a political party, his name shall be entered in the record of the \r\npolitical party as a member and shall be issued a membership card, or any other document showing his \r\nmembership of the political party. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nA person shall not \r\nbe a member of more than one political party at a time. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nA political party shall encourage women\r\n \r\n1\r\n[and persons with disabilities and transgender \r\npersons]\r\n \r\nto become its members.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nA member of a political party shall have the right of access to the records of the political \r\nparty, other than the record of another member. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n204\r\n. \r\nMembership fee, contributions and donations.\r\n—\r\n(1) A member of a political party shall \r\nbe required to pay a m\r\nembership fee, if provided in the political party\r\n’\r\ns constitution and may, in \r\naddition, make contributions or donations towards the political party\r\n’\r\ns funds.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe fee, contribution or donation made by a member or a supporter of a political party \r\nshall be duly recorded by that political party. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nAny contribution or donation made, directly or indirectly, by any foreign source including \r\nany foreign government, mul\r\nti\r\n-\r\nnational or public or private company, firm, trade or professional \r\nassociation or individual shall be prohibited. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nAny contribution or donation which is prohibited under this Act shall be confiscated in \r\nfavour of the Government in such manner as may b\r\ne prescribed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation.\r\n—\r\nFor the purpose of this section\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\n“\r\ncontribution or donation\r\n”\r\n \r\nincludes a contribution or donation made in cash, \r\nkind, stocks, transport, fuel and provision of other such facilities; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n47.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n99\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\n“\r\nforeign source\r\n”\r\n \r\nshall not include an Overseas Pakistani holding a National \r\nIdentity Card\r\n \r\nfor Overseas Pakistanis issued by the National Database and \r\nRegistration Authority. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n205\r\n.  \r\nSuspension or expulsion of a member.\r\n—\r\n(1) A member of a political party may be \r\nsuspended or expelled from the political party\r\n’\r\ns membership in accordance with the procedure \r\nprovided in the constitution of the political party. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Before making an order for suspension or expulsion of a member from the political party, \r\nsuch member shall be provided with a reasonable opportunity \r\nof being heard and of showing cause \r\nagainst the action proposed.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n206.\r\n \r\nSelection for elective offices.\r\n—\r\nA political party shall make the selection of candidates \r\nfor elective offices, including membership of the \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament) and Provincial \r\nAsse\r\nmblies, through a transparent and democratic procedure and while making the selection of \r\ncandidates on general seats shall ensure at least five per cent representation of women candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n207.\r\n \r\nFunctioning of a political party.\r\n—\r\n(1) A political party shall ha\r\nve an elected general \r\ncouncil at the Federal, Provincial and local levels, wherever applicable, and by whatever name it may \r\nbe referred.  \r\n \r\n(2) A political party shall, at least once in a year, convene a general meeting at the Federal, \r\nProvincial and local \r\nlevel of a political party, wherever applicable, and shall invite the members of the \r\npolitical party or their delegates to participate in the general meeting. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n208\r\n. \r\nElections within a political party.\r\n—\r\n(1) The office\r\n-\r\nbearers of a political party at the \r\nF\r\nederal, Provincial and local levels, wherever applicable, shall be elected periodically in accordance \r\nwith the constitution of the political party: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that a period, not exceeding five years, shall intervene between any two elections. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nA member of a political party shall, subject to the provisions of the constitution of the \r\npolitical party, be provided with an equal opportunity of contesting \r\nelection for any political party \r\noffice. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nAll members of the political party at the Federal, Provincial and local levels shall \r\nconstitute the electoral\r\n-\r\ncollege for election of the party general council at the respective levels. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nThe political party sha\r\nll publish the updated list of its central \r\noffice\r\n-\r\nbearers\r\n \r\nand Executive \r\nCommittee members, by whatever name called, on its website and send the list, and any subsequent \r\nchange in it, to the Commission. \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n(5) Where a political party fails to conduct intra\r\n-\r\nparty elections as per given time frame in \r\ntheir constitution, a show cause notice shall be issued to such political party and if the party fails to \r\ncomply with, then the Commission shall impose fine which may extend to two hundred thousand \r\nrupees but shal\r\nl not be less than one hundred thousand rupees.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nAdded by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n48.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n100\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n209\r\n. \r\nCertification by the political party.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) A political party shall, within seven days from \r\ncompletion of the intra\r\n-\r\nparty elections, submit a certificate signed by an office\r\n-\r\nbearer authorized by \r\nthe Party Head, to the Commission to the effect that the elections were held in accordance with the \r\nc\r\nonstitution of the political party and this Act to elect the office\r\n-\r\nbearers at the Federal, Provincial and \r\nlocal levels, wherever applicable. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The certificate under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall contain the following information\r\n—\r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe date of the last in\r\ntra\r\n-\r\nparty elections; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe names, designations and addresses of office\r\n-\r\nbearers elected at the Federal, \r\nProvincial and local levels, wherever applicable; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe election results; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\ncopy of the political party\r\n’\r\ns notifications declaring the results of the election. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3) The Commission shall, within seven days from the receipt of the certificate of a political \r\nparty under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), publish the certificate on its website. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n210\r\n. \r\nInformation about the sour\r\nces of funds.\r\n—\r\n(1) A political party shall, in such manner as \r\nmay be prescribed, submit to the Commission within sixty days from the close of a financial year, a \r\nconsolidated statement of its accounts audited by a Chartered Accountant on Form D containing\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nannual income and expenses; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nsources of its funds; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nassets and liabilities. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The statement under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall be accompanied by the report of a Chartered \r\nAccountant with regard to the audit of accounts of the political party and a certificate signed by an \r\noffice\r\n-\r\nbearer authorized by the Party Head stating that\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nno \r\nfunds from any source prohibited under this Act were received by the \r\npolitical party; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe statement contains an accurate financial position of the political party. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n211\r\n.  \r\nCampaign finance.\r\n—\r\n(1) A political party shall furnish to the Commission the list of \r\ncontributors who have donated or contributed an amount equal to or more than \r\n1\r\n[\r\none \r\nmillion]\r\n \r\nrupees \r\nto the political party for its election campaign expenses.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)  A political party shal\r\nl furnish to the Commission details of the election expenses incurred \r\nby it during a general election\r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n, \r\nbye\r\n-\r\nelection and Senate election]\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs.\r\n \r\nand i\r\nns.\r\n \r\nby Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n49.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n101\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n212\r\n. \r\nDissolution of a political party.\r\n—\r\n(1) Where the Federal Government is satisfied on the \r\nbasis of a reference from the Commission or information received from any other source that a political \r\nparty is a foreign\r\n-\r\naided political party or has been formed or is operating in a manner prejudicial\r\n \r\nto the \r\nsovereignty or integrity of Pakistan or is indulging in terrorism, the Government shall, by a notification \r\nin the official Gazette, make such declaration. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nWithin fifteen days of making a declaration under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the Government shall \r\nre\r\nfer the matter to the Supreme Court. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nWhere the Supreme Court upholds the declaration made against the political party under \r\nsub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), such political party shall stand dissolved forthwith. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation\r\n.\r\n—\r\nIn this section, \r\n‘\r\nforeign\r\n-\r\naided political party\r\n’\r\n \r\nmeans a political party which\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nhas been formed or organized at the instance of any foreign government or \r\npolitical party of a foreign country; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nis affiliated to or associated with any foreign government or political party of a \r\nforeign country; or \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nreceives any aid, financial or o\r\ntherwise, from any foreign government or \r\npolitical party of a foreign country, or any portion of its funds from foreign \r\nnationals. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n213\r\n. \r\nEffects of dissolution of political party.\r\n—\r\n(1) Where a political party is dissolved under \r\nsection 212, any member of\r\n \r\nsuch political party, if he is a member of the \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament), \r\na Provincial Assembly or a local government, shall be disqualified for the remaining term to be a \r\nmember of the \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament), Provincial Assembly or local governm\r\nent. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The Commission shall, by notification in the official Gazette, publish the names of the \r\nmembers of a political party becoming disqualified from being members of \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament), Provincial Assembly or local government on the disso\r\nlution of the political party under \r\nsection 212. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER XII \r\n \r\nALLOCATION OF SYMBOLS \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n214.\r\n \r\nList of election symbols.\r\n—\r\nThe Commission shall prescribe a list of election symbols for \r\nallocation to political parties and candidates and the symbols in the list shall be visibly and perceptually \r\ndifferent from each other. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n215.\r\n \r\nEligibility of party to obtain election symbol.\r\n—\r\n(1) Not\r\nwithstanding anything \r\ncontained in any other law, a political party enlisted under this Act shall be eligible to obtain an election \r\nsymbol for contesting elections for \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\neShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament), Provincial Assemblies or local \r\ngovernment on submission of \r\ncertificates and statements referred to in sections 202, 206, 209 and 210. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n102\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nA combination of enlisted political parties shall be entitled to obtain one election symbol \r\nfor an election only if each party constituting such combination submits the certificates and statements \r\nreferred to in sections 202, 206, 209 and 210. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nAn electi\r\non symbol already allocated to a political party shall not be allocated to any other \r\npolitical party or combination of political parties. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nWhere a political party or combination of political parties, severally or collectively, fails to \r\ncomply with the \r\nprovision of section 209 or section 210, the Commission shall issue to such political \r\nparty or parties a notice to show cause as to why it or they may not be declared ineligible to obtain an \r\nelection symbol. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nIf a political party or parties to whom show \r\ncause notice has been issued under sub\r\n-\r\nsection \r\n(4) fails to comply with the provision of section 209 or section 210, the Commission may after \r\naffording it or them an opportunity of being heard, declare it or them ineligible to obtain an election \r\nsymbol for\r\n \r\nelection to \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament), Provincial Assembly or a local government, and \r\nthe Commission shall not allocate an election symbol to such political party or combination of political \r\nparties in subsequent elections.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n216\r\n. \r\nApplication for allocation of symbol.\r\n—\r\nSubject to fulfilment of the provisions of this \r\nChapter and the Rules, a political party shall make an application to the Commission for allocation of \r\na symbol of its choice for each general election within the period \r\nspecified by the Commission in its \r\npress release, and the application shall contain\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe list of symbols applied for in order of preference; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nsymbol or symbols if any allocated to the political party during the previous \r\ngeneral elections; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nevery such application shall be signed by the Party Head, by whatever name \r\ndesignated; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\naddress of the head office of the political party; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nsuch oth\r\ner particulars or information from the political party as may be \r\nprescribed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n217\r\n. \r\nAllocation of symbols.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission shall allocate a symbol to a political party \r\nif the political party complies with the provisions of this Act. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nA candidate nominated by a political party for an election in any constituency shall be \r\nallotted the symbol allocated to that political party by the Returning Officer. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nA symbol allocated to a political party by the Commission shall not be allotted to an\r\ny \r\ncandidate in a constituency other than the candidate nominated by that political party. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n103\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nSubject to the direction of the Commission, in a bye\r\n-\r\nelection, the Returning Officer shall \r\nallot to a candidate nominated by a political party the symbol allocated\r\n \r\nto that political party in the \r\nprevious general election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nIn every constituency where an election is contested, the Returning Officer shall allot \r\nvisibly different and distinct symbols to each contesting candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation\r\n.\r\n—\r\nIn this section, the\r\n \r\nexpression \r\n‘\r\npolitical party\r\n’\r\n \r\nincludes a combination of \r\npolitical parties who have agreed to put up joint candidates. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n218\r\n. \r\nSymbol disputed by a political party.\r\n—\r\n(1) If a political party fulfils the requirement of \r\nsections 208, 209 and 210 and a symbol is allocated to it by the Commission, the Returning Officer \r\nshall allocate such symbol to the candidate nominated by that political party. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nA political party shall have the right to claim the allocation of the same symbol as allocated \r\nto it in any previous election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nA political party shall also be given preference for allocation of a particular symbol if such \r\nsymbol was allocated to it in a\r\n \r\nprevious election before entering into an alliance with other political \r\nparties. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nIn case the same symbol was allocated to a combination of political parties at the last \r\nelection and two or more component political parties apply for the same symbol for \r\nthe next election, \r\nthe allocation of that symbol to any one political party shall be decided by drawing of lots. \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER XIII \r\n \r\nCONDUCT OF ELECTIONS TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n219\r\n. \r\nCommission to conduct elections.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission shall conduct electi\r\nons to the \r\nlocal governments under the applicable local government law, and the Rules framed thereunder, as \r\nmay be applica\r\nble to a Province, cantonments\r\n \r\n1\r\n[or \r\nIslamabad Capital Territory\r\n]\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nNotwithstanding anything contained in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1), the voting procedure for direct \r\nelections to the local governments in a Province, cantonments, \r\n1\r\n[or \r\nIslamabad Capital Territory\r\n]\r\n \r\nshall \r\nbe the same as provided for election to the Assemblies under this \r\nAct.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nSubject to sub\r\n-\r\nsection (4), the Commission shall, in consultation with the Federal or \r\nProvincial Government, make an announcement of the date or dates on which the elections to a local \r\ngovernment shall be conducted in a Province, cantonme\r\nnt, Islam\r\nabad Capital Territory\r\n \r\n1\r\n[* * *]\r\n \r\nor a \r\npart thereof. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall hold elections to the local governments within one hundred and \r\ntwenty days of the expiry of the term of the local governm\r\nents of a Province, cantonment \r\n1\r\n[or \r\nIslamabad Capital Territory\r\n]\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. and omitted by Act \r\nNo, \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n50. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n104\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall organize and conduct elections under this Chapter and shall make \r\nsuch arrangements as are necessary to ensure tha\r\nt the elections are conducted honestly, justly, fairly \r\nand in accordance with law and that the corrupt practices are guarded against. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\nThe Commission may, by order in the official Gazette, make provisions for the conduct of \r\nlocal government elections if \r\nno provision or insufficient provision has been made under this Act or \r\nthe Rules. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n220\r\n. \r\nElectoral rolls.\r\n—\r\n(1) The electoral rolls prepared, updated and maintained under this Act \r\nshall be used for conduct of an election to a local government. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall provide the Returning Officer for a local government with copies \r\nof electoral rolls for all the \r\nelectoral areas within the constituency of such local government. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Returning Officer shall provide the electoral rolls, containing the names of the voters \r\nentitled to vote at a polling station, to the Presiding Officer of each such polling station. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n221\r\n. \r\nDelimitation of local government constituencies.\r\n—\r\n(1) For the purpose of holding \r\nelections to the local governments, the Commission shall delimit constituencies of the local \r\ngovernments,  including union councils, wards in a union council, a ward i\r\nn a district council or ward \r\nin a municipal committee, as far as possible and subject to necessary modifications, in accordance with \r\nChapter III of this Act and the Rules. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation.\r\n—\r\nA union council includes a union committee, a village council or, as\r\n \r\nthe case \r\nmay be, a neighborhood council. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\n \r\nFor the purpose of delimitation of a union council\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe area of a union council shall be a territorial unity; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe boundaries of a union council shall not cross the limits of the local council \r\nof which the union council, being delimited, forms part; and  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe population of union councils within a local government shall, as far as \r\npossible, be uniform. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Comm\r\nission shall delimit a local government, if required, into as many wards as may \r\nbe notified for the election of members on general seats by the concerned government. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nFor the purpose of delimitation of a ward of a union council\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\na ward shall consist of a village, one or more adjoining villages or, in case of an \r\nurban area, a census block or adjoining census blocks; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe boundaries of a ward shall not cross the limi\r\nts of the union council; and  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n105\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe population of wards within a union council shall, as far as possible, be \r\nuniform. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall delimit a municipal committee into such number of wards as \r\nnotified by the concerned government for election of\r\n \r\nMembers of the municipal committee on general \r\nseats. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\nFor the purpose of delimitation of a municipal committee\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\na ward shall consist of a census block or adjoining census blocks; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe boundaries of a ward shall not cross the limits of the municipal committee; \r\nand \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe population of wards within a municipal committee shall, as far as possible, \r\nbe uniform.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(7)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall delimit a tehsil council, where required, into as \r\nmany\r\n \r\nwards as may \r\nbe notified by the concerned government for the election on general seats to the tehsil council and \r\ndistrict council. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(8)\r\n \r\nFor the purpose of delimitation of a ward in a tehsil council\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe area of a ward shall be a territorial unity; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe boundaries of a ward shall not cross the limits of the tehsil council of which \r\nthe ward, being delimited, forms part; and  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe population of the ward within the tehsil council shall, as far as poss\r\nible, be \r\nuniform. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(9) The Commission shall delimit a local government, if required, into as many \r\n         \r\nconstituencies as may be provided under the applicable local government law for the election of \r\nMembers on general seats of the local government. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n222\r\n. \r\nAppointment of Delimitation Committee.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission shall appoint a \r\nDelimitation Committee for each district for delimitation of constituencies of the local governments in \r\nthe district, including union councils, wards within a union council, or wards in municipal committees. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Rev\r\nenue or other executive officers posted in the district shall provide necessary assistance \r\nto the Delimitation Committee in carrying out delimitation of constituencies of the local governments \r\nin the district. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n223\r\n. \r\nAppointment of Delimitation Authority\r\n.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission shall appoint from \r\namongst its own officers or from the officers of the subordinate judiciary a Delimitation Authority for \r\neach district to hear and decide the objections against the delimitation carried out by the Delimitation \r\nCommitt\r\nee.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n106\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nAn officer of the subordinate judiciary shall be appointed as Delimitation Authority in \r\nconsultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\n \r\nA voter may, within fifteen days of the delimitation of constituencies by the Delimitation \r\nCommittee, file objections against the delimitation before the Delimitation Authority which shall \r\ndecide the objections within thirty days from the date of delimitat\r\nion of constituencies by the \r\nDelimitation Committee. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n224.\r\n \r\nElection officials and polling stations.\r\n—\r\nThe provisions of Chapter V of this Act relating \r\nto appointment of election officials and for the preparation of list of polling stations for an election to \r\nAssemblies shall, as nearly as possible subject to necessary modifications, apply to the appointmen\r\nt of \r\nelection officials and for the preparation of the list of the polling stations for an election to a local \r\ngovernment.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n225.\r\n \r\nAppeal against scrutiny order.\r\n—\r\n(1) A candidate or the objector may, within the time \r\nspecified by the Commission, file an appeal a\r\ngainst the decision of the Returning Officer rejecting or \r\naccepting a nomination paper to an Appellate Tribunal constituted for the constituency consisting of a \r\nperson who is a District and Sessions Judge or an Additional District and Sessions Judge appoin\r\nted by \r\nthe Commission in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nAn Appellate Tribunal shall summarily decide an appeal filed under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) within \r\nsuch time as may be notified by the Commission and any order passed on the appeal s\r\nhall be final. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nIf the Appellate Tribunal is not able to decide the appeal within the time fixed by the \r\nCommission under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (2), the appeal shall abate and decision of the Returning Officer shall \r\nbe final. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n226\r\n. \r\nElection against reserved seat\r\ns.\r\n—\r\n(1) Subject to the Rules, the Commission shall \r\norganize and conduct the election to the seats reserved for women, peasants or workers, technocrats, \r\nyouth and non\r\n-\r\nMuslims in a local government under the applicable local government law. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nA contesting candidate or candidates obtaining the highest number of votes in a category \r\nshall be declared as elected against the seat or seats specified for that category. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall provide to the Returning Officer a list of elected Members \r\neligible \r\nto vote and constituting an electoral college for the election of the indirectly elected Members of a \r\nlocal government under the applicable local government law. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n227\r\n. \r\nNotification of election and a vacancy.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission shall notify ever\r\ny \r\nelection or a vacancy occurred due to death, resignation, disqualification, and removal of a Member of \r\na local government and publish the same in the official Gazette. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Any Government, under whom a vacancy of a Member of a local government occur\r\ns due \r\nto any cause, shall immediately inform the Commission about occurrence of the vacancy. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n107\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nExplanation.\r\n—\r\nFor purposes of this section, the elected Member also includes Chairman, Vice\r\n-\r\nChairman, Mayor, Deputy Mayor or, as the case may be, Nazim or Naib Na\r\nzim of a local government. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n228.\r\n \r\nBye\r\n-\r\nelections.\r\n—\r\nWhen the seat of a Member of a local government becomes vacant and \r\nbye\r\n-\r\nelection is required to fill the seat under the applicable local government law, the Commission \r\nshall, by notification in the official Gazette, call upon the constituency or electoral c\r\nollege to elect a \r\nperson to fill the seat on such date as may be specified in the notification and the provisions of this \r\nAct, the Rules and applicable local government law shall apply to the election to fill such seat. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n229.\r\n \r\nApplication of provisions to loca\r\nl government election.\r\n—\r\n(1) Subject to this Chapter \r\nand the Rules relating to conduct of local government elections, election disputes, election offences \r\nand allocation of symbols, the provisions of Chapter V, Chapter IX, Chapter X and Chapter XII of this \r\nA\r\nct, as nearly as possible, shall apply to the conduct of local government election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) The qualifications and disqualification of a candidate in a local government election or a \r\nMember of a local government shall be decided under the applicable loca\r\nl government law. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER XIV \r\n \r\nCARETAKER GOVERNMENT \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n230.\r\n \r\nFunctions of caretaker Government.\r\n—\r\n(1) A caretaker Government shall\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nperform its functions to attend to day\r\n-\r\nto\r\n-\r\nday matters which are necessary to run \r\nthe affairs of the Government; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nassist the Commission to hold elections in accordance with law; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nrestrict itself to activities that are of routine, non\r\n-\r\ncontroversial and u\r\nrgent, in \r\nthe public interest and reversible by the future Government elected after the \r\nelections; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nbe impartial to every person and political party. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\n \r\nThe caretaker Government shall not\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\ntake major policy decisions except on urgent matters; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\ntake any decision or make a policy that may have effect or pre\r\n-\r\nempt the exercise \r\nof authority by the future elected Government; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nenter into major contract or undertaking if it is detrimental to pub\r\nlic interest; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nenter into major international negotiation with any foreign country or \r\ninternational agency or sign or ratify any international binding instrument \r\nexcept in an exceptional case; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n108\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nmake promotions or major appointments of public officials but may make \r\nacti\r\nng or short term appointments in public interest; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\ntransfer public officials unless it is considered expedient and after approval of \r\nthe Commission; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(g)\r\n \r\nattempt to influence the elections or do or cause to be done anything which may, \r\nin any \r\nmanner, influence or adversely affect the free and fair elections\r\n \r\n1\r\n[:]\r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\nProvided that sub\r\n-\r\nsections (1) and (2) shall not apply where the caretaker Government has to \r\ntake actions or decisions regarding existing bilateral or multilateral agreements or the p\r\nrojects already \r\ninitiated under the Public Private Partnership Authority Act, 2017 (VIII of 2017), the Inter\r\n-\r\nGovernmental Commercial Transactions Act, 2022 (XXX of 2022) and the Privatization Commission \r\nOrdinance, 2000 (LII of 2000).\r\n]\r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe Prime Minister, C\r\nhief Minister or a Minister or any other members of a Caretaker \r\nGovernments shall, within three days from the date of assumption of office, submit to the Commission \r\na statement of assets and liabilities including assets and liabilities of his spouse and de\r\npendent children \r\nas on the preceding 30th day of June on Form B and the Commission shall publish the statement of \r\nassets and liabilities in the official Gazette. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nIn this section, ‘\r\ncaretaker Government\r\n’\r\n \r\nmeans the caretaker Federal \r\nGovernment or a \r\ncaretaker Provincial Government. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCHAPTER XV \r\n \r\nMISCELLANEOUS \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n231.\r\n \r\nQualifications and disqualifications.\r\n—\r\nThe qualifications and disqualifications for a person \r\nto be elected or chosen or to remain  a Member of the \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament) or a Provincial \r\nAssembly shall be such as are provided in Articles 62 and 63\r\n \r\n1\r\n[:]\r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\nProvided that nomination on honorary basis or  being  a member of any board of any statutory \r\nbody or any entity  that  is owned or controlled by  the  Government  or  in  which  the Government \r\nhas a controlling share or interest or authority, by whatsoever\r\n \r\nname called, shall not be a \r\ndisqualification from being a candidate of the  \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament), a Provincial Assembly \r\nor a local government, as  the  case  may  be,  under  Articles  62  and 63, the State\r\n-\r\nOwned Enterprises \r\n(Governance and Operat\r\nion) Act, 2023 (VII of 2023), the  Companies Act, 2017 (XIX of 2017) or any \r\nother applicable law or rules made thereunder:\r\n \r\nProvided further that payment of remuneration for any business including meeting fee and other \r\nperquisites on honorary basis to him b\r\neing a member shall not tantamount to disqualification from \r\nbeing a candidate.\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n2\r\n[\r\n232 \r\n3\r\n[\r\nDisqualificatio\r\nn on account of declaration by c\r\nourt\r\n.\r\n—\r\n](\r\n1) The qualification and \r\ndisqualifications of a person to be elected, chosen or to remain as\r\n \r\na member of the \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament) or a Provincial Assembly shall be such as provided for in Articles 62 and 63 of the \r\nConstitution:\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs. and added \r\nby Act\r\n \r\nNo. \r\n \r\nXLIV of 2023, s\r\ns\r\n.\r\n \r\n51\r\n-\r\n52\r\n.\r\n \r\n2\r\nSubs. by Act No. XXXV of 2023, s.4\r\n, notwithstanding anyt\r\nhing contained in sub\r\n-\r\nsection (3) of section 1 of the said Act, always be deemed to have been \r\nso substituted on and from commencement of the Constitution (Eighteenth Amendment) Act, 2010 (X of 2010).\r\n \r\n \r\n3\r\nSubs. by Act No. XX of 2024, s. 2.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n109\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nProvided that the procedure, manner \r\nand\r\n \r\nduration of the qualifications and disqualifications under \r\nthis section shall be such as specifically provided for in the relevant provisions of Articles 62 and 63 of the \r\nConstitution and where no such procedure, man\r\nner or duration has been provided for therein, the provisions \r\nof this Act shall apply.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Notwithstanding anything \r\ncontained\r\n \r\nin any other provisions of this Act, any other law for the \r\ntime being in force and \r\njudgment\r\n,\r\n \r\norder or dec\r\nr\r\nee of any cou\r\nr\r\nt\r\n,\r\n \r\ninclu\r\nding \r\nth\r\ne\r\n \r\nSupreme Court and a High \r\nCourt, the disqualification of a person to be elected, chosen or to remain as a \r\nmember\r\n \r\nof the\r\n \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoo\r\nr\r\na\r\n \r\n(Parliament) or a Provincial Assembly under paragraph (f) of\r\n \r\nclause (l) of \r\nArticle\r\n \r\n62 of the \r\nConstitution shall be for a period not exceeding five years from the declaration by the court of law in that \r\nregard and such declaration shall be subject to the due process of\r\n \r\nla\r\nw\r\n.]\r\n \r\n233.\r\n \r\nCode of Conduct.\r\n—\r\n \r\n(1) The Commission shall, in consultatio\r\nn with political parties, frame \r\na Code of Conduct for political parties, contesting candidates, election agents and polling agents. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall also frame a Code of Conduct for security personnel, media and \r\nelection observers. \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nA political par\r\nty, a candidate, an election agent, a polling agent, security personnel, media and \r\nan observer shall follow the Code of Conduct during an election. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nThe Commission shall publish a Code of Conduct framed under this section in the official \r\nGazette and on\r\n \r\nits website\r\n \r\n1\r\n[and no change shall be made except in the manner provided in sub\r\n-\r\nsection \r\n(1)]\r\n. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n234\r\n. \r\nMonitoring of election campaign.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission shall constitute a monitoring team \r\nconsisting of such number of persons as may be determined by it, to monitor election campaign of the \r\ncandidates and political parties and report, on regular basis in the prescribed manner, to an officer\r\n \r\nnominated by the Commission in respect of each district for the purpose of deciding the complaints \r\nregarding any violation by a candidate or a political party of any provision of the Act, Rules or the Code \r\nof Conduct issued by the Commission.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nThe Co\r\nmmission shall constitute a monitoring team for a constituency or a group of \r\nconstituencies and determine the terms of reference of the monitoring team.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nIf the officer, nominated under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) receives a report of any violation of the Act or \r\nthe Rules and, after holding a summary enquiry, finds that the reported violation has been committed and \r\nno other punishment is provided under the Act for such violation, he may impose a fine not exceeding fifty \r\nthousand rupees. \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nIf the nominated officer a\r\nfter summary enquiry finds a candidate or a political party guilty \r\nof violation of the Act or the Rules for the second time, he shall refer the matter to the Commission \r\nfor initiation of proceedings against such candidate or political party under the law, \r\nincluding \r\nproceedings for disqualification of the said candidate and in case of the political party, its candidate. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(5)\r\n \r\nAny person aggrieved from an order of nominated officer under this section may, within \r\nthree days from the order, file an appeal before the Commission and the order of the Commission on \r\nthe appeal shall be final. \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nIns. by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n53.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n110\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(6)\r\n \r\nIn an election, the Commission may issue any direction to the authority dealing with \r\nmatters relating to print or electronic media and such authority shall comply with the direction. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n235.\r\n \r\nAbsence of candidates not to invalidate acts.\r\n—\r\nWhere any act or thing i\r\ns required or \r\nauthorized by this Act to be done in the presence of the candidate, an election agent or a polling agent, \r\nthe failure of such person to attend at the time and place fixed for the purpose shall not invalidate any \r\nact or thing otherwise validly\r\n \r\ndone. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n236.\r\n \r\nJurisdiction of courts barred.\r\n—\r\n(1) No court shall question the legality of any action \r\ntaken in good faith by or under the authority of the Commission, the Commissioner or an election \r\nofficial or any decision given by any of them or any other offi\r\ncer or authority appointed under this Act \r\nor the Rules. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nNo court shall question the validity of the electoral rolls prepared or revised under this \r\nAct or the legality or propriety of any proceedings or action taken by or under the authority of the \r\nCommission or a Registration Officer. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe validity of the d\r\nelimitation of any constituency or of any proceedings taken or \r\nanything done by or under the authority of the Commission, under this Act shall not be called in \r\nquestion in any court. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n237.\r\n \r\nProtection of actions taken in good faith.\r\n—\r\nNo suit, prosecution or oth\r\ner legal \r\nproceeding shall lie against the Commission, the Commissioner or an election official or other person \r\nin respect of anything which is done in good faith or intended to be done under or in pursuance of this \r\nAct or of any rule or order made or any d\r\nirection given under the law. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n238.\r\n \r\nElection observers.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission, at its own motion or upon an application \r\nmade in this behalf, may allow any domestic or international election observation organization to \r\nobserve the process of conduct of election, \r\nhaving an access to polling station, counting of votes and \r\nconsolidation of results. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\n \r\nNo person shall be allowed to observe the \r\nprocess of conduct of election, \r\nif he\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nis not accredited as an observer by the Commission or its authorized officer; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nis affiliated with any political party; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nfails to provide his full particulars and documents, including photographs, \r\nwhich may be required by the Commission; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nhas been inv\r\nolved in activities prejudicial to the peace and tranquillity of the \r\npeople of a constituency; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nfails to provide an authorization from the organization of which he is a member; \r\nand \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nhas not obtained security clearance from the Government. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n111\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nEvery observer while observing the process of conduct of election shall display \r\nprominently a card of his identification issued to him by the Commission or an officer authorized by \r\nit.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nEvery observer or, as the case may be, organization may submit a report to the \r\nCommission highlighting the electoral irregularities which were noticed during observation relating \r\nto conduct of election, with recommendations, if any. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n239\r\n. \r\nPower to make \r\nrules.\r\n—\r\n(1) The Commission may, by notification in the official Gazette \r\nand publication on the website of the Commission, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this \r\nAct. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nThe Commission shall make the Rules under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) subject to pr\r\nior publication \r\nand after hearing and deciding objections or suggestions filed within fifteen days of the publication.  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n240\r\n. \r\nRemoval of difficulties.\r\n—\r\n(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the \r\nprovisions of this Act, the Commission may\r\n, with the approval of the President, make such provision \r\nfor the removal of the difficulty as it may deem fit and any such order shall be published on the website \r\nof the Commission. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) Every provision made under sub\r\n-\r\nsection (1) shall be laid, may b\r\ne after it is made, before \r\neach House of \r\nMajlis\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nShoora\r\n \r\n(Parliament).  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n241\r\n. \r\nRepeal.\r\n—\r\nThe following laws are hereby repealed\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nthe Electoral Rolls Act, 1974 (Act No. XXI of 1974); \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nthe Delimitation of Constituencies Act, 1974 (Act No. XXXIV of 1974); \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nthe Senate (Election) Act, 1975 (Act No. LI of 1975); \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nthe Representation of the People Act, 1976 (Act No. LXXXV of 1976); \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(e)\r\n \r\nthe Election Commissi\r\non Order, 2002 (Chief Executiv\r\ne’\r\ns Order \r\nNo.1 of 2002); \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)\r\n \r\nthe Conduct of General Electio\r\nns Order, 2002 (Chief Executive’\r\ns \r\nOrder No.7 \r\nof 2002)\r\n1\r\n[\r\n****\r\n*\r\n*]\r\n \r\n2\r\n[except Articles 1, 7B and 7C];\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(g)\r\n \r\nthe Political Parti\r\nes Order, 2002 (Chief Executive’\r\ns Order No.18 of \r\n2002); and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(h)\r\n \r\nthe Allocation of Symbols Order, 2002. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nOmitted by Act No.\r\n \r\nXXXVII of 2017, s.\r\n \r\n3.\r\n \r\n2\r\nIns. by Act No. XXXV of 2017, s. 2.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n112\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFORM A \r\n \r\n[\r\nSee sections 60(2) &110(2)\r\n] \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNOMINATION FORM FOR ELECTION TO AN \r\n \r\nASSEMBLY/SENATE \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n[Note: \r\n \r\n(1) \r\nPlease fill in this page in capital letters. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2) \r\nStrike off the words not applicable.] \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNo. and Name of constituency .........................................National Assembly/ Senate/ \r\nProvincial Assembly of .........................................\r\n................(Name of the Province) \r\n \r\n \r\n(To be filled in by the proposer of a candidate for an Assembly seat) \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(1)\r\n \r\nI................................. (name of the proposer) having National Identity Card No. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n-\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n-\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nRegistered as a voter at serial number........................... in the electoral roll of electoral area \r\n.....................................................of Tehsil/Taluka .............\r\n......................District/\r\nAgency \r\n................................................................................ do hereby propose the name of \r\nMr./Mrs./Ms.............\r\n..................................................................................... whose address \r\nis.........................................................................................as a candidate for election to the\r\n \r\nseat \r\nfrom constituency No.....\r\n.......................... \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nI hereby certify that I have not sub scribed to any other nomination paper in this election \r\neither as proposer or seconder. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n       \r\nDate......................... \r\n \r\n                                          \r\nSignature of Proposer…………… \r\n \r\n————————————————————\r\n——————————\r\n \r\n \r\n(To be filled in by the seconder of a candidate for an Assembly seat) \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(1)\r\n \r\nI.............................................. (name of the seconder) having National Identity Card \r\nNo.  \r\n \r\n \r\n                                                    \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nRegistered as a voter at serial number...........................in the e\r\nlectoral roll of electoral \r\narea\r\n.............................................................\r\n............................ of \r\nTehsil/Taluka.................. \r\nDistrict/Agency................................................................... do hereby second the name of \r\nMr./Mrs./Ms........\r\n........................................................................................... whose address \r\nis...................................................................................................................  as a c\r\nandidate for \r\nelection to \r\nthe seat from constituency No………………………. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nI hereby certify that I have not subscribed to any other nomination paper in this election \r\neither as proposer or seconder. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n    \r\nDate........................ \r\n                       \r\n                      \r\nSignature of Seconder ………………. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPassport size \r\n \r\nPhotograph of the \r\ncandidate \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n-\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n-\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n113\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFOR SENATE ELECTION ONLY\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n                          \r\n[Note: \r\n(1)  Please fill in this page in capital letters. \r\n \r\n(2)  Strike off the words not applicable.] \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(To be filled in by the proposer of a candidate for a Senate seat) \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(1)\r\n \r\n \r\nI.............................\r\n                 \r\n...........................................\r\n \r\n \r\n                    \r\n-------------\r\n \r\n                        \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(Name of proposer) \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\na \r\n \r\nme\r\nmber \r\n \r\nof \r\n*National \r\n \r\nAssembly/Provincia\r\nl \r\n \r\nAssembly \r\n \r\nfrom \r\n \r\nConstituency \r\nNo\r\n............\r\n........................... \r\n \r\ndo hereby propose the name of Mr./Mrs./Ms\r\n \r\n...............................................................\r\n...........................\r\n \r\n          \r\n                                                                          \r\n(Name of candidate) \r\n \r\nson/ wife/ daughter of\r\n.....................................................................................\r\n \r\nresident\r\n \r\nof \r\n.......................\r\n………………………………………………\r\n..…………..…………..……\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(Address)\r\n \r\n \r\nwhose name is entered at serial No…................... in the electoral roll of…………..…….. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(name of electoral area, tehsil/ taluka and district)\r\n \r\nas a candidate for election f\r\nrom...........................................\r\n......Province/ Federal Capital \r\n1\r\n[**] \r\nag\r\nainst \r\nthe following Senate seat\r\n…………………….……\r\n…................\r\n..................\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\n \r\nI hereby certify that I have not subscribed to any other nomination paper in this election either \r\nas proposer or seconder. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nDate........................ \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSignature of Proposer\r\n……………… \r\n \r\n________________________________________________________________\r\n_________\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(To be filled in by the seconder of a candidate for a Senate seat) \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nI …………………………………………………………………………….……………… \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(Name of seconder) \r\n \r\na member of National Assembly/Provincial Assembly from Constituency No. \r\n……..................... do \r\nhereby second the nomination of the above mentioned candidate against the following Senate seat \r\n………………………………………………\r\n…………………………………..\r\n………..\r\n \r\n………..\r\n \r\n…\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nI hereby certify that I have not subscribed to any other nomination paper in th\r\nis election either \r\nas proposer or seconder. \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\nDate........................ \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSignature of Seconder\r\n………… \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nOmitted by Act No. XX of 2024, s. 3.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n114\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\nDECLARATION AND OATH BY THE PERSON NOMINATED]\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n1.  \r\n \r\nI, the above \r\nmentioned candidate\r\n, hereby declare on oath that,\r\n—\r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nI have consented to the above nomination and that I fulfill \r\nthe qualifications specified in \r\nArticle 62 of the Constitution and I a\r\nm not subject to any of the dis\r\n-\r\nqualifications specified in \r\nArticle 63 of the Constituti\r\non or any other law for the time being in force for being elected as a \r\nmember of the Senate/National Assembly/ Provincial Assembly. *\r\n \r\n*(ii) I belong to …………………………………….\r\n…………\r\nand \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(Name of the political party)\r\n \r\n \r\n      \r\n \r\n \r\n       \r\na\r\n \r\ncertificate from that politic\r\nal party showing that I am a party candidate from the above said \r\nconstituency is attached.\r\n \r\nOR\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n       \r\nI do not belong to any political party.\r\n \r\n \r\n2.  \r\n \r\nI, the above\r\n \r\nmentioned \r\ncandidate, solemnly swear that,\r\n—\r\n \r\n**(i)  I believe in the absolute and unqualified finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace \r\nbe upon him), the last \r\nof the prophets and that I\r\n \r\nam not the follower of any one \r\nwho claims to be a \r\nProphet in any sense of the word or of any description wh\r\nat\r\nsoever after Prophet Muhammad \r\n(peace \r\nbe upon him), and that I do not recognize such a claimant to be Prophet or a religious reformer, nor \r\ndo I belong to the Qadiani group or the Lahori group or call myself an Ahmadi.\r\n \r\n \r\n(ii) I will be faithful to the declara\r\ntion made by the Founder of Pakistan Quaid\r\n-\r\ne\r\n-\r\nAzam Muhammad \r\nAli Jinnah, that Pakistan would be a democratic state based on Islamic principles of social justice. \r\nI will bear true faith and \r\nallegiance to Pakistan and uphold the sovereignty and integrity of P\r\nakistan \r\nand that I will strive to preserve the Islamic Ideology which is the basis for the creation of \r\n \r\nPakistan.\r\n \r\n2\r\n[\r\n3. \r\n \r\nI, the above\r\n-\r\nmentioned candidate, declare that I have opened an exclusive Account \r\nNo\r\n.\r\n___________________\r\nwith\r\n_____________________\r\n(Name\r\n \r\nand Branch of Scheduled \r\nBank) \r\n.\r\n \r\n \r\nOR\r\n \r\nI w\r\nill use my existing Account No\r\n. ___________\r\nwith\r\n \r\n__________ (Name and Branch of \r\nScheduled Bank for the purpose of Election expenses) (Please enclose statement of the Bank Account).]\r\n]\r\n \r\n1\r\n[4.] \r\n \r\nMy NIC No. is \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n5.\r\n]\r\n \r\nMy Contact No. is ______________________ \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n6.\r\n]\r\n \r\nMy Email address is………………………………….. \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n7.\r\n]\r\n \r\nMy statement of assets and liabilities\r\n \r\nincluding assets and liabilities of my spouse (s) and \r\ndependent children as on preceding thirtieth day of June \r\non Form B\r\n \r\nis attached. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n  \r\nDate...................... \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSignature of the Candidate………..... \r\n \r\n1\r\n[\r\n*Strike off the words not applicable\r\n \r\n**For \r\nMuslim candidate only.]\r\n \r\n \r\n1\r\nSubs\r\n., renumbered\r\n \r\n& ins. by Act, No.\r\n \r\nXXXV of 2017, by s.\r\n \r\n3.\r\n \r\n2\r\nSubs. by Act No. XLIV of 2023, s. 54.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n-\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n-\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n115\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSOLEMN AFFIRMATION\r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\nI, ………………...................................... S/o, W/o, D/o ..................................................do hereby \r\nsolemnly affirm that all the entries in this Form filled by me are correct and complete \r\nto the best of my \r\nknowledge and belief, and nothing has been concealed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSignature of the Candidate\r\n……………………... \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN \r\n \r\nRECEIPT \r\n \r\n(To be filled in by the Returning Officer) \r\n \r\n[Note: Strike off the words not applicable.] \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSerial Number of nomination paper........\r\n...............................\r\n \r\n..........\r\n \r\n..\r\n \r\nThe nomination paper of Mr./Ms/Mrs………………….……..................................a candidate for \r\nelection to the seat from……\r\n………........................ National Assembly/ Senate/ Provincial Assembly \r\nof the Punjab/ Sindh/Khyber Pakhtunkhwa/Balochistan was delivered to meet my office at................ \r\n(hours) on ............... (date)by................. (person) \r\n \r\n \r\nThis \r\nnomination paper will be taken up for scrutiny at ........\r\n...............................…............... (hours) \r\non\r\n.........................(date) \r\nat..............\r\n...............................\r\n...(place) \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nDate...................................  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nReturning Officer……………… \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n116\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE ATTACHED BY A CANDIDATE\r\n \r\nFOR SENATE TECHNOCRAT SEAT)\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n[Note: (1) \r\n \r\nThis additional information is to be attached with the Nomination Form by a candidate \r\n \r\n \r\nfor Senate Technocrat seat only. \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nEach item is to be filled in clearly and completely. \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nThe information should be typed or hand written legibly. \r\n \r\n(4)\r\n \r\nStrike off the words n\r\not applicable.] \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nBIODATA\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n1.\r\n \r\nName ……………………………..........................................................................  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n2.\r\n \r\nFather/ Husband‘s name………………………………………………………..……. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n3.\r\n \r\nDate of birth ………………………….   4. Place of birth ……………………..…… \r\n \r\n \r\n5.\r\n \r\nMarital status:   \r\n   \r\nSingle / Married / Divorced / Widow (er) \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n6.\r\n \r\nPresent address:  ……………………………………………………….....................\r\n.......\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n7.\r\n \r\nPresent telephone Nos.    Mobile………..……… Office ………..…. Home …\r\n..\r\n….……. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n8.\r\n \r\nEmail address: \r\n………………………………………………………………………..\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n9.\r\n \r\nEducation \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nYears attended \r\n \r\nName and location of Institution \r\nof learning \r\n \r\nAcademic degrees and \r\ncertificates or Diplomas \r\nobtained \r\n \r\nMain\r\n \r\nAreas\r\n \r\nof study\r\n \r\nFrom\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nTo \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n10.\r\n \r\nProfessional experience \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nA.\r\n \r\nFrom ………………………………… to ……………………\r\n………………..\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(the date since employed) \r\n \r\n \r\nTitle of present post and nature of duties. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nEmployer (Name and address) and type of business.\r\n \r\n_________________________________________\r\n \r\n \r\nB.\r\n \r\nFrom ………………………………… to …………………………………….. \r\n \r\n          \r\n \r\n \r\n(the date since employed) \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nTitle of present post and nature of duties. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nEmployer (Name and address) and type of business. \r\n \r\n__________________________________________\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n117\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nC.\r\n \r\nFrom ………………………………… to …………………………………….. \r\n \r\n          \r\n \r\n \r\n(the date since employed) (Please use additional sheets if required.) \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\nTitle of present post and nature of\r\n \r\nduties. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nEmployer (Name and address) and type of business. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n         \r\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n11.\r\n \r\nPlease list your special qualifications and skills \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n--------------------------------------------\r\n------------------------------\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n12.\r\n \r\nPlease list any significant publications you have written (Publications need not be attached). \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n-----------------------------------------------------\r\n-----------------------\r\n \r\n13.\r\n \r\nIf \r\nyou have previously held public office (e.g. Minister, Advisor, Senator, Member of \r\nParliament, Provincial Assembly or a local government) please give details: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n14.\r\n \r\nPlease list your present and past memberships, if any, of political parties and/ or civil society \r\norganizations: \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n----------------------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nI declare that all the above entries and statements \r\nare correct and complete to the best of my knowledge \r\nand belief, and nothing has been concealed. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nDate........................... \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSignature of the Candidate............................ \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n118\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFORM B \r\n \r\n[\r\nSee sections 60, 110 & 137\r\n] \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSTATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nI,\r\n \r\n.................................................................. candida\r\nte/ Member,*National Assembly/ \r\nSenate, \r\nProvincial Assembly, Punjab/ Sindh/ Khybe\r\nr Pakhtunkhwa/ Balochistan from \r\nconstituency\r\n \r\n...............\r\n........../ from the seats reserved for women/ non\r\n-\r\nMuslims hereby declare that no immovable \r\nand moveable property, including bonds, shares, certificates, securities, insurance policies and jewelry, \r\nother than specified herein below, is held by me, my spous\r\ne(s) and dependent children on 30th day of \r\nJune,_________.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nASSETS\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nASSET \r\n \r\nCOST OF ASSET \r\n \r\nREMARKS \r\n \r\n1 \r\n \r\n2 \r\n \r\n3 \r\n \r\n1.\r\n \r\nIMMOVABLE PROPERTY\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nOpen plots, houses, apartments, commercial \r\nbuildings, under construction properties, \r\nagricultural property, etc.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nHeld within Pakistan*\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\n____________________ \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\n____________________  \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\n____________________\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nHeld outside Pakistan*\r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\n___________________\r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\n____________________\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n2.\r\n \r\nMOVABLE ASSETS\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\nBusiness capital within Pakistan\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nName of business  \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nCapital amount\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\nBusiness capital outside Pakistan\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nName of business  \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nCapital amount\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\nAssets brought or remitted from \r\noutside Pakistan*\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nBank drafts/ Remittances \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nMachinery\r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\nOther\r\n \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n(d)\r\n \r\nAssets brought out of remittance\r\n \r\nfrom abroad*\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n119\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nASSET \r\n \r\nCOST OF ASSET \r\n \r\nREMARKS \r\n \r\n1\r\n \r\n2 \r\n \r\n3 \r\n \r\n(\r\ne)  \r\n \r\nInvestments\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nStock and Shares \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nDebentures \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\nNational Investment \r\n(Unit)\r\nTrust \r\n \r\n(iv)\r\n \r\nICP Certificates    \r\n \r\n(v)\r\n \r\nNational Savings Schemes \r\n \r\n \r\n--\r\n  \r\n \r\nDefence Savings \r\n \r\nCertificate \r\n \r\n--\r\n  \r\n \r\nSpecial Savings \r\nCertificate \r\n \r\n \r\n--\r\n  \r\n \r\nRegular Income \r\n \r\nCertificate \r\n \r\n(vi)\r\n \r\nUnsecured loans\r\n \r\n \r\n(vii)\r\n \r\nMortgages \r\n \r\n(viii)\r\n \r\nAny other \r\n \r\n \r\n(f)      \r\nMotor Vehicles*\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nMake \r\n \r\nModel    Reg. No. \r\n \r\n(i) ______    ______    ______        \r\n    \r\n(ii) ______    ______    ______ \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(g)\r\n \r\nJewelry etc.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nWeight_______________ \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nDescription___________\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(h)\r\n \r\nCash and Bank Accounts*\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)   \r\nCash in hand \r\n \r\n(ii)  Cash at Bank \r\n \r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nAccount No.   Bank & Branch \r\n \r\n           \r\n \r\nCurrent    __________    ___________ \r\n         \r\n \r\nDepo\r\nsit    __________    __________\r\n \r\n \r\n        \r\n \r\nSaving    __________ ____________ \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nOther Deposit  \r\n______   __________\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nFurniture, Fittings &articles of\r\n \r\npersonal use\r\n–\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(j)\r\n \r\nAssets transferred to any \r\nperson\r\n–\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nWithout adequate \r\nconsideration,\r\n \r\nor \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nby revocable transfer \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(k)\r\n \r\nAny other assets.\r\n  \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n*Details to be annexed.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n120\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nLIABILITIES\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nLIABILITY\r\n \r\n \r\nAMOUNT\r\n \r\n \r\nREMARKS \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nMortgages secured on \r\nProperty or land \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ii)\r\n \r\nUnsecured Loans owing \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iii)\r\n \r\nBank Overdraft \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(iv)\r\n \r\nBank Loans \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(v)\r\n \r\nAmounts due under Hire Purchase \r\nAgreement \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(vi)\r\n \r\nHouse Building Loans \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(vii)\r\n \r\nAdvances from Provident Funds etc. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(viii)\r\n \r\nOther debts due* \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(ix)\r\n \r\nLiabili\r\nties in the names of dependent \r\nchildren \r\n(in respect of assets standing in \r\ntheir names)\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nTotal\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n*Details to be annexed.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nVERIFICATION\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nI,...........................................................................................S/o,W/o,D/o.....................\r\n \r\ndo \r\nhereby declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the above statement of the assets and \r\nliabilities of myself, my s\r\npouse(s), dependent children is correct and complete \r\nas on 30th June………..  \r\nand nothing has been concealed therefrom. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nDate........................................... \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSignature of the Candidate/ Member \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n______________________________\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n121\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFORM C\r\n \r\n[\r\nSee section 134\r\n]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nRETURN OF ELECTION EXPENSES\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nElection to the Senate from_________\r\n_________\r\n \r\n(Province/Areas)/ National Assembly / Provincial \r\n \r\nAssembly of the Punjab/ Sindh / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Balochistan \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNo. and Name of Constituency _\r\n_______________________________\r\n_______\r\n \r\nName of the candidate\r\n \r\n________________\r\n____________________________________\r\n______\r\n \r\n \r\nAddress of t\r\nhe candidate______________\r\n___________________________\r\n________________\r\n \r\n1\r\n[CNIC number ________________________________________________________________\r\n \r\nName of Bank and Addres\r\ns \r\n________________________________________________________\r\n \r\nAccount \r\nnumber \r\no\r\nr\r\n \r\nIBAN _________________________________________________________]\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPART A.\r\n—\r\nAccount of Election Expenses\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nDate on which\r\n \r\nexpenditure was\r\n \r\nincurred or \r\nauthorized.\r\n \r\nNature of \r\nexpenditure\r\n \r\n \r\nAmount\r\n \r\nof \r\nexpenditure\r\n \r\n \r\nThe amount paid (i)\r\n \r\nThe amount\r\n \r\noutstanding (ii)\r\n \r\nTotal of (i) and (ii)\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPART B.\r\n—\r\nAccount of unpaid claim/Outstanding amount.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nNature of claim/ \r\noutstanding amount.\r\n \r\nDate of \r\nclaim/outstanding amount.\r\n \r\nAmount of claim/outstanding amount\r\n \r\n(a)\r\n \r\n(b)\r\n \r\n(c)\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPART \r\n–\r\nC: \r\n \r\nAttach bank statement of the account opened by the candidate showing all \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\ntransactions made by the candidate from that account. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPlace_______________________ \r\n \r\nDate_______________________                     \r\n \r\n                                                                                                        \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nSigna\r\nture of the candidate \r\n \r\n1\r\nAdded by Act \r\nNo. \r\nXLIV of 2023, s.\r\n \r\n55.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nPage \r\n122\r\n \r\nof \r\n122\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFORM D \r\n \r\n[\r\nSee section 210\r\n] \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS OF A POLITICAL PARTY\r\n \r\nAUDITED BY A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nName of Political Party______________________________________________ \r\n \r\nFinancial year____________________ \r\n \r\n \r\nStatement of accounts audited by a Chartered Accountant under section 210 of the Elections Act, \r\n2017 is attached, showing \r\ninter\r\n-\r\nalia\r\n:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(1)\r\n \r\nIncome/ receipts during the year with source of funds; \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(2)\r\n \r\nTotal expenses for the year with details of expenditure; and \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(3)\r\n \r\nTotal assets and liabilities at the beginning and end of the financial year. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nName, signature & stamp of Charted Accountant \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nICAP’s membership number\r\n_________________ \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nIt is certified that: \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n(i)\r\n \r\nNo funds were received by the party from 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