14 January 2005	Friday	03 Zilhaj 1425

LAHORE, Jan 13: Six candidates filed their nominations for contesting election to National Assembly constituency NA-127 on the last day for filing papers on Thursday.

The seat fell vacant after the resignation of Pakistan Awami Tehrik chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.

Those who filed papers include Naseer Bhutta and Mian Naseer Ahmad of the PML-N, Farooq Amjad Meer and Waris Ali of the PML, Awami Qiyadat Party's Noor Naeem Khan and Mian Amjad Hafeez (independent).

The papers will be scrutinized on Jan 14 and 15 at the office of the returning officer. Appeals against acceptance and rejection of papers can be filed till Jan 18 which will be heard and decided by a tribunal by Jan 25.

The candidates can withdraw their nomination papers till Jan 31 while the final list (of the contestants) will be displayed on Feb 1. The polling will be held on Feb 27.

POSTAL BALLOT: The registered voters who are interested in casting their votes through postal ballots should apply to the returning officer by Feb 12. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan sources, Feb 7 is the last date for submission of applications by the voters to the returning officer for issuing ballot papers. In case of shortage of forms, photocopies can also be used for the purpose.

Government servants, members of the armed forces, public officers, their wives and their children residing with them as registered voters can exercise their right to vote through postal ballot.

Similarly, people detained in prisons or held in legal custody are also entitled to vote by postal ballot. The polling staff and officials of law enforcing agencies who have been assigned duties at the polling stations can send their applications for the postal ballot by February 12. -APP