Legal Framework

The elections in Pakistan are governed by the Constitution, laws, orders, rules and acts provided by the Federal Government and the Election Commission.

Basic provisions pertaining to electoral laws, the conduct of elections, presidential elections, elected offices and terms of office, the eligibility of voters, as well as the functions of the Chief Election Commissioner and the creation and function of the Election Commission are contained within the Constitution.

Separate laws also exist in relation to elections, the conduct and procedures of election, electoral rolls, formation of political parties and the right of citizens to be represented. Among these laws are:

  • Procedure for Trial of Election Petitions
  • The Conduct of General Elections Order
  • The Election Commission Order 2002
  • The Electoral Rolls Act 1974
  • The Political Parties Order
  • The Political Parties Rule
  • The Presidential Election
  • The Representation of People Act 1976
  • The Representation of People Rules 1977
  • The Delimitation of Constituencies Act 1974

 

The Election Commission of Pakistan also provided booklets of electoral laws, which consists of two volumes.

Election Laws. (n.d.). Retrieved from Election Commission of Pakistan: http://ecp.gov.pk/Laws.aspx

Pakistan Election Laws. (n.d.). Retrieved from Pakvoter.org: http://www.pakvoter.com/content/pakistan-election-laws

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Resources :

Constitution

PDF : The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
PDF : Constitutional Provisions relating to Elections
PDF : An Act further to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (January 4, 2011)
This constitutional amendment includes provisions for the appointment of a Chief Justice of a High Court
PDF : An Act further to amend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (February 29, 2012)
This constitutional amendment includes provisions for a caretaker government

Election Laws

PDF : Election Laws Volume I
PDF : Election Laws Volume II

Election Acts

PDF : An Act further to amend certain Election Laws (May 5, 2011)
This law includes a provision that forbids members of the Election Commission from disclosing information without permission. It also has provisions regarding National Identity Cards
PDF : The Representation of the People Act, 1976 (as made applicable for FATAs)
PDF : The Representation of the People Act, 1976
PDF : The Delimitation of Constituencies Act, 1974
PDF : An Act futher to amend the Delimitation of Constituencies Act, 1974
PDF : An Act futher to amend the Representation of the People Act, 1976 and the Conduct of General Elections Order, 2002 (March 21, 2013)
This amendment details the process for receiving nomination papers
PDF : The Electoral Rolls Act, 1974

Election Orders

PDF : The Allocation of Symbols Order, 2002
PDF : The Conduct of General Elections Order, 2002
PDF : The Election Commission Order, 2002
PDF : The Political Parties Order, 2002

Election Rules

PDF : The National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies Allocation of Reserved Seats for Women an Non-Muslims (Procedure) Rules, 2002
PDF : The Political Parties Rules, 2002
PDF : The Presidential Election Rules, 1988
PDF : The Representation of the People (Conduct of Election) Rules, 1977

EC’s Code of Conduct on Elections

PDF : Text of ECP Conduct Code for General Election 2013
PDF : Draft Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Contesting Candidates for General Elections, 2007

EC’s Notification

PDF : Procedure for Trial of Election Petitions relating to General Elections

Infographic

PDF : Political Finance Legal Framework (PakVoter.org)
Brief infographic relates to political finance legal framework produced by PakVoter.org

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