ECP finalises arrangements for Senate elections

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finalised all preparations for conducting nationwide Senate elections, the upper house of the bicameral parliament, on April 2. Polling would be held in the National Assembly and all four provincial assemblies from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Ballot papers in four different colors have been printed for the Senate elections. White papers will be used for general seats, green for technocrat seats, pink for women, and yellow for minority seats. Additionally, the transportation of election materials to returning officers has been completed. Returning officers have already issued the final list of the candidates contesting elections on 48 vacant seats of the Senate.

The elections were scheduled for 29 general seats, eight seats for women, nine seats for technocrats/Ulema, and two seats for non-Muslims. According to the Election Commission, a total of 147 candidates submitted their nomination papers for these vacant seats.

Out of these, 18 were elected unopposed, seven are from Punjab’s general seats. Similarly, in Balochistan, senators for seven general seats, two women seats, and two Ulema/technocrat seats have won without any opposition. As per the schedule issued by the Commission, the contest on the remaining 30 seats will be held on Tuesday. In total, 59 candidates are vying for the vacant seats.

The elections are being held next month on one general and one technocrat seat from the federal capital, two women seats, two technocrat/Ulema seats, and one non-Muslim seat from Punjab. Similarly, Sindh will see elections for seven generals, two women, two technocrat/Ulema, and one non-Muslim seat. Additionally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will hold elections for seven general, two women, and two technocrat seats on April 2. In total, 59 candidates are vying for these seats.