ECP Warns Candidates of By-Election Deadline Enforcement

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reminded candidates of the electioneering deadline set under Section 182 of the Election Act, 2017, for the upcoming by-polls in 21 national and provincial assembly constituencies across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan. The deadline for campaigning ended at midnight between Friday and Saturday, with strict warnings from the ECP that any political activities post-deadline will result in legal consequences, including imprisonment or fines. The commission emphasized the importance of adhering to election regulations to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

With a total of 239 candidates participating in the forthcoming by-elections, including prominent figures like Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari and Zubair Ahmed Junejo, the electoral landscape is gearing up for intense campaigning and voter persuasion efforts. The by-elections will fill vacant seats in various constituencies, including NA-8 Bajaur, NA-44 Dera Ismail Khan-I, NA-119 Lahore-III, NA-132 Kasur-II, NA-196 Kamber Shadadkot-I, and NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad-I, among others.

Notably, some seats were vacated due to strategic decisions by elected officials, leading to the need for by-polls. The by-elections hold significance in reshaping the political landscape in these constituencies and will determine the new representatives for the vacant seats. The ECP's strict enforcement of election regulations underscores the commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring compliance from all candidates and stakeholders.