ISLAMABAD, Aug 22: The Election Commission (EC) has reminded all political parties that under Article 13 of the Political Parties Order, 2002, they are required to submit to the EC a consolidated statement of accounts of their parties, duly audited by a chartered accountant within 60 days of the close of the financial year.

A press release said that as already announced on Aug 8, the last date for submission of statements of accounts was Aug 29, 2003.

The statement is to be submitted in Form-I, as prescribed under the Political Parties Rules, 2002. Printed forms can be received from the Election Commission Secretariat, Islamabad and from offices of the provincial election commissioners of Punjab, Sindh, NWFP and Balochistan.

The statement of accounts should be delivered personally through an office bearer of the party, duly authorized by the party leader to the Secretary, Election Commission, the press release saidm

Statements received through post, fax, courier service or any other mode should not be entertained, it added.