TLP Candidate in NA-249 Remains a Challenge For ECP

The by-poll for NA-249 scheduled on April 29 brings a challenge for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as the candidate of proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) is also contesting in the elections.

ECP has categorically announced that the candidates of TLP cannot contest the elections under their party banner.

It is pertinent to mention that the federal government has banned the religious party following its violent protests all over the country.

As per analysts, it has been a challenge for ECP to keep on with the contestant of TLP under given circumstances.

Read Also

Can Cancellation of Cambridge Exams in Pakistan Have Grim Effects?

TLP had nominated Mufti Nazeer Kamalvi as its candidate to contest in NA-249 by-poll, however, after the announcement by ECP, the nominee will not be able to run in the election on “crane” symbol.

According to a notification issued by the interior ministry, the federal government has ample proves to ban the religious party for involvement in violent activities.

In the last few days, TLP has carried out certain activities that pose threat to state’s safety and security and have disturbed the law-and-order situation in multiple cities.

The notification further added that the party incited people to create chaos in the country that resulted in the deaths and injuries of many law enforcement personnel.

The NA-249 seat fell vacant after Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda was elected as a senator.

The candidates of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), PTI, Awami National Party (ANP), and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have filed nomination papers.

According to the ECP, the election campaign period for the by-election will end on April 28.