ISLAMABAD: In major changes in election rules, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) amended the candidates’ affidavit with view to seeking more details of assets and dual nationality, besides making it mandatory for polling agent of contesting candidate to be voter of area.

ECP issued two notifications. In one notification, ECP changed affidavit for election candidates. Now, candidate would file new affidavit along with nomination papers, showing complete details of dependents and assets in their names.

Details of past performance as member of assembly have also been sought in affidavit. On issue of dual citizenship, section has been added under which candidate will be required to provide information regarding relinquishing other nationality. Candidate will also be required to inform about nature of other citizenship whether by birth or acquired. It will be necessary for the candidate to provide documentary evidence of relinquishing dual citizenship. Foreign passport number must be stated in affidavit.

Apart from this, all details of how much money is given to political party must also be mentioned in affidavit. Rest of contents of affidavit which will come into effect immediately have been retained from affidavit during 2018 election.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 13 2022

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