ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday started printing of new nomination papers without getting the formal approval of President Asif Ali Zardri due to lack of time, Dispatch News Desk (DND) reported.
In a statement issued by the ECP‚ it said the legal basis for this is that it is the mandate of the ECP to conduct free‚ fair and transparent elections under Article 218 of the Constitution and the approval of the President under section 107 is merely a formality.
The statement said that it is 11th march and as the printing of the nomination papers has to start today‚ therefore‚ the Commission cannot wait for the President’s approval any longer.
In these circumstances‚ the Commission is of the view to print the proposed nomination papers without waiting for the approval of the President.
DND