ECP changes election schedule, polling date remains same

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced changes in the schedule for General Elections 2018 on Friday, but said the polling date stays as scheduled.

In a statement, the ECP said nomination papers can now be submitted until June 11, adding that candidatures for reserved seats for women and minorities can also be submitted till that date, reports Geo TV.

It also extended the deadline for scrutiny of nomination papers from June 14 to June 19.

Appeals against any objection to the decisions of returning officers can now be filed till June 22.

The verdicts on these appeals will be announced by June 27, after which, the revised list of candidates will be issued on June 28.

Candidates will be able to withdraw their nomination papers on June 29, and the electoral body will announce the final list of candidates on the same day.

The elecotral symbols will be issued to candidates on June 30.

Polling, however, will be conducted on July 25.

The amended schedule is also applicable for candidates contesting the elections on reserved seats.

Earlier, the election commission had set June 8 as the final date for submission of nomination papers.

The ECP reiterated its policy to allow international observers and international media as well as national observers to participate in the process of Election 2018.