ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday reminded the heads of all political parties to submit their consolidated statement of accounts for the financial year 2022-23 on or before August 29.
Still reeling from the May 9 violence and struggling to cope with the situation, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday approached the ECP for allotment of ‘bat’ as its election symbol. Referred. In this regard, PTI Chairman Imran Khan filed an application in the Election Commission Secretariat, in which the electoral body has been requested to allot ‘bat’ as a symbol for the upcoming general elections despite the legal requirement. .
The ECP has called for the filing of applications for allotment of marks for the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh and Balochistan as per the requirements of Section 216 of the Elections Act, 2017.
“Political parties who have complied with the provisions of the Election Act, 2017 and the Election Rules, 2017 for allotment of election symbols are invited to submit applications for allotment of any of the symbols prescribed under Rule 162 of the Election Rules, 2017. The ECP said, signed by the respective party leaders, should reach the ECP Secretariat Islamabad on or before July 19, 2023.
In a statement issued by PTI, it has been said that the candidates of the party will fight the elections of the national and provincial assemblies on the bat sign.
Meanwhile, the ECP asked the heads of all political parties to submit their consolidated statement of accounts for the financial year 2022-23 on or before August 29.
This is the requirement for political parties under Section 210 of the Elections Act, 2017 read with Section 204 of the Act and Rule 159 and 160 of the Election Rules, 2017, to do the necessary work.
Section 210 of the Act provides that a political party shall, in such manner as may be prescribed, lay before the Commission, within sixty days of the end of the financial year, a consolidated statement of its accounts to be audited by a chartered accountant. Form-D contains: annual income and expenditure; Its sources of funds and assets and liabilities.
The statement submitted to the ECP should be accompanied by a report of a chartered accountant on the audit of the accounts of the political party and a certificate signed by an officer authorized by the party head that:
(i) The party has not received any funds from sources prohibited under the Elections Act, 2017;
(ii) The statement of accounts gives a true picture of the financial position of the party.
(iii) The above information is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
(iv) The statement is audited by a chartered accountant and a detailed report is attached.
Additionally, the statement of accounts is to be submitted in Form-D as provided in the Elections Act, 2017. Printed forms are available free of charge in the offices of Election Commission Secretariat, Islamabad and Provincial Election Commissioners, Punjab. , Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Form-D/Performa for sources of funds is also available on ECP website.
In a statement released by ECP, it has been said that overwriting should be avoided. The membership/certificate issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) in respect of the engaged auditor shall be enclosed with Form-D along with the last valid renewal certificate.
Form-D shall contain a certified copy of each bank statement of the party from 01.07.2022 to 30.06.2023 along with bank reconciliation statement.
The statement of the matter shall be addressed to the Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan, Constitution Avenue, G-5/2, Islamabad and shall be delivered by an official of the Party, authorized by the Party Chairman in accordance with Rule 156. . Election Rules, 2017. The commission says that statements received by post, fax, courier service or any other means will not be accepted.
