The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday fixed February 24, 2010 for by-polls in NA-55 Rawalpindi, the seat lying vacant after the resignation of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Haji Pervez Khan.
According to the schedule, candidates could file appeals against the rejections/acceptance of nomination papers by the Returning Officers (ROs) till January 25, 2010 while a decision by election tribunal would be taken on the appeals on January 29. The ECP set February 1, last date for withdrawal of candidature, final list would be displayed on February. The polls would be held on February 24.
An official of the ECP told Business Recorder that two steps, nomination of papers by the candidates and their scrutiny by the returning officers have already been completed when the Lahore High Court delayed by-elections on the request of Punjab government. The official said the court also observed during the hearing that it was constitutional obligation that by-election on a vacant seat should be held within 60 days after the date of vacation.