ECP meeting continued to discuss LHC’s decision about nomination papers

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – An emergency meeting of the ECP continued in Islamabad on Saturday following Lahore High Court's verdict annulling the nomination papers. Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Muhammad Raza is chairing the meeting. In the meeting, the 19 amendments were being overviewed which were removed from the nomination papers by the National Assembly. The ECP will prepare the new form of nomination paper according to the orders of the LHC. Following the ruling, the ECP said it has stopped its returning officers from receiving the nomination papers, which, according to schedule, were to be received starting today. The ECP on Saturday morning called an emergency meeting after Lahore High Court (LHC) nullified the parliament-prepared nomination papers for general elections 2018. Earlier on Friday, the LHC rejected the amendment in the nomination papers and directed the ECP to prepare new papers in accordance with the constitution and the Elections Act. The court asked the commission to again add the requirements of Article 62 and 63 in the nomination papers. The LHC affirmed that the ECP has the authority to make any changes in the nomination papers. However, the latest decision would not affect the schedule of the election, the court ruled. It is pertinent to mention here that the general elections 2018 are scheduled to be held on July 25.