ECP finalises arrangements

On the penultimate day of deciding appeals against acceptance and rejection of nomination papers by returning officers (ROs) Balochistan Election Tribunal (BET) in Quetta accepted four appeals as the Provincial Election Commission finalised polling arrangements for various constituencies.
The Election Tribunal dismissed three other appeals of candidates for National and Balochistan Assembly seats. It adjourned four appeals for December 14,the last day for decision on such appeals. A two-member tribunal headed by Chief Justice Balochistan High Court, Justice Amanullah Khan Yasinzai and the other member Justice Akhtar Zaman Malghani was hearing appeals of candidates challenging the rejection orders of Returning Officers of their respective constituencies.
The tribunal accepted appeals of Muhammad Aslam and Zahoor Ahmed who challenged the acceptance of nomination papers of a candidate Munshi Muhammad for NA-272 Kech and PB-49-Kech. The appellants pleaded that Anti-Terrorism Court Turbat had sentenced Munshi and stated that he cannot take part in the elections.
The tribunal accepted the appeals on the ground subject to confirm either the ATC Turbat had sentenced the respondent candidate Munshi Muhammad or otherwise.
It further accepted another appeal of one Zahoor Ahmed who challenged the acceptance of nomination papers of Ghulam Jan on the same ground. Besides, it accepted an appeal of Liaqat Ali PB-47 Kech and allowed him to take part in the elections.
The tribunal dismissed an appeal of Naseebullah who challenged the acceptance of nomination papers of PML-Q leader Changez Marri, son of Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri for PB-23 Kohlu. It further dismissed two appeals of Azhar Khan Panezai Pishin and Zulfiqar who challenged the acceptance of nomination papers of one Gul Khan.
It adjourned hearing of four appeals including two women candidates for reserved seats for women in Balochistan Assembly for December 14. They included Husn Bano, Nasreen Khanum, and two appeals of Zahoor Ahmed.
They said that the administration will beef up security at these polling stations in the district. All necessary arrangements will soon be finalised for holding elections for constituency, PB-46 Kharan.