Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has accepted the nomination papers of Asif Ali Zardari, nominated by allied parties, and Mahmood Khan Achakzai, backed by PTI, for the upcoming presidential elections.
Both candidates submitted their papers for the elections scheduled on March 9. The deadline for withdrawal from the contest is March 6, with polling set from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on March 9 at various locations including Parliament House in Islamabad and provincial Assembly buildings in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta.
Zardari, supported by the PML-N-led coalition, and Achakzai, representing the PTI-Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) alliance, are the main contenders.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Advocate Farooq H. Naek proposed and seconded Zardari’s candidacy, while PTI’s Asad Qaiser and Ali Mohammad Khan proposed and seconded Achakzai.
The election proceedings in the National Assembly will be presided over by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, where MNAs and senators will cast their votes.
Read more: PTI picks Mahmood Khan Achakzai for President slot against Asif Zardari
The presidential election is mandated by Article 41(4) of the Constitution within 30 days after general elections. With the general elections held on February 8, the presidential election must be conducted by March 9, before the retirement of half of the senators completing their six-year term.