PESHAWAR, March 7: The Election Commission on Monday notified that by-election for the vacant seats of district Nazim Malakand Protected Area and Nazim and Naib Nazim of Union Councils in eight districts of the Frontier province would be held on April 7.

The seat of district Nazim Malakand fell vacant following resignation by Engr Mohammad Humayun Khan who opted to participate in the NA-35 Malakand by-election held on Dec 15 last.

According to by-lection schedule, nomination papers would be received from March 11 till March 15, 2005. Scrutiny of papers and publication of names of valid candidates would be made on March 16.

Appeal against acceptance and rejection of nomination papers could be filed on or before March 19 whereas the candidate could withdraw from the contest by March 24. The final list of the contesting candidates with symbols would be published on March 25. Declaration of result by the Returning Officer on April 9 while run-off election has been fixed for April 16.

Similarly, the Election Commission also notified schedule for by-elections on eight vacant seats of Nazim and Naib Nazim of Union Councils in different districts of the NWFP which would also be held on April 7, 2005. The four vacant seats of Nazim Union Council are UC Maneri Payan in Swabi, UC Mandharn in D. I. Khan, UC Ghori Wala in Bannu, and UC Kuch in Hangu districts. -APP