The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced February 20, 2012 polling date for by-elections on the five vacant seats of National Assembly (NA) and one vacant constituency of Provincial Assembly. The five constituencies of the NA were vacant due to resignations by the MNAs, while one Provincial Assembly seat was vacant due to death of Amir Khan Rokhari (MPA).
The five vacant constituencies of National Assembly are NA-9 Mardan, NA-140 Kasur, NA-148 Multan, NA-149 Multan and NA-195 Rahim Yar Khan. The last dates for filling of nomination papers with Returning Officer by the candidates are January 19 and January 20, while the scrutiny of nomination papers by the Returning Officer will be held on January 23 to January 24, 2012. The last date for withdrawal of nomination paper is February 2.
The Assistant Election Commissioners of Mardan, Kasur, Bahawalpur and Multan are appointed as the Returning Officers for NA-9 Mardan, NA-140 Kasur, NA-148 Multan NA-195 Rahim Yar Khan, respectively, while the Deputy Election Commissioner is appointed as Returning Officer for NA-149 Multan. While the ECP has also announced by-elections for PP-44 Mianwali, Punjab which has become vacant due to death of Amir Khan Rokhari (MPA). The polling for PP-44 Mianwali will be held on February 20 and last date for filling of nomination papers is January 20, 2012. Deputy Election Commissioner Sargodha has been appointed, as Returning Officer for the by-election in PP-44 Mianwali.