Senate by-poll for Punjab seat on Dec 9

ISLAMABAD, Nov. 17: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday issued the schedule for the Senate by-election to fill the general seat from Punjab, setting December 9 as the polling date.

The seat had fallen vacant following the recent passing of PMLN Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who served as the party’s parliamentary leader in the Upper House and was also a renowned columnist.

“In pursuance of clause (5) of Article 224 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan read with sections 107 and 127 of the Elections Act, 2017, the Election Commission of Pakistan hereby calls upon the Members of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab to elect a Member to the Senate from that province against the category of General seat, which has fallen vacant due to the death of Senator Mr. Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui, and hereby fixes in relation thereto the following dates for the nomination of candidates, the scrutiny of nomination papers, the last date for withdrawal of candidature, and for taking of the poll at the place…,” the notification stated.

According to the Election Commission, the election for the Senate seat of the late Irfan Siddiqui will be held in the Punjab Assembly, while nomination papers may be submitted on November 20 and 21.

The ECP added that scrutiny of nomination papers will continue until November 25, whereas appeals against the acceptance or rejection of papers will be decided by November 29. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 1. Polling will be conducted from 9 am to 4 pm in the Punjab Assembly, the Election Commission confirmed.