ECP bar 314 political parties from contesting general elections 2018

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has barred at least 314 political parties from contesting general elections 2018 under the provisions of Election Act 2017.

The parties have been barred due to submission of incomplete details. Only 11 per cent of the filed parties got clearance to contest elections.

Among the parties that are not eligible to contest the elections are the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), Balochistan National Party, JUI (S).

The list of Registered Political Parties and Voters provided by ECP 2013

Only 38 parties out of the 352 registered parties under the ECP have submitted the list of their members and deposited the enlistment fee of Rs 200, 000.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP), did get the clearance.

89 per cent of the parties are expected to be de-listed under the Election Act, according to reports.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) recently issued notices to the ECP and the federal government on a petition challenging the Elections Act, 2017.

The petition, argues that the act provides cover to politicians to conceal details about their assets, loans, cases and dual nationality in their nomination papers.