The candidates, whose nomination papers for Senate elections have been rejected, can challenge the decision of respective returning officers on Monday and Tuesday (February 20-21).
According to an official of Election Commission of Pakistan, the appeals regarding Federal Capital will be filed before the Secretary Election Commission, while the rejected candidates belonging to Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Fata and Balochistan can approach either the Secretary Election Commission or the respective Provincial Election Commissioners.
As per schedule announced earlier, the appeals of 18 rejected candidates will be disposed of on Wednesday and Thursday (February 22 and 23).
The appeal may be filed by the candidate himself or by a person authorised in writing by the candidate. The certified copy of the rejection order must be attached with the appeal. The appellant is also required to supply copies of appeal to all his opponent candidates. The official said that the announcement of the day and time for the hearing of appeals in the press and electronic media shall be deemed to be sufficient notice of the day and time so appointed.
The nomination papers could be withdrawn by Friday and the same day a list of eligible candidates would be published.
A total of 166 candidates filed nomination papers against 54 seats in the Senate. Out of 166 candidates, 18 papers were rejected on various grounds, he said.
The elections are being held on 54 seats, including 11 from each province, four minority (one from each province), four from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and two sets from federal capital.
Members of Provincial Assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan will elect to Senate the members from general, women and technocrats including Ulema and minority. National Assembly members will elect to Senate two members from Federal Capital. National Assembly members from Federally Administered Tribal Areas will elect to Senate four members against general seats.