Pakistan: Senate elections scheduled March 3

Event

The Pakistani Senate elections for 46 out of 52 seats are scheduled for 09:00 to 16:00 (local time) on Saturday, March 3. In addition, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that nomination paperwork needs to be filed by 16:00 on Thursday, February 8. The last date for the publication of the revised candidate list (following examination of nomination paperwork) is scheduled for Sunday, February 18.

Related campaign events, heightened security measures, and consequent transportation disruptions are expected in the coming weeks in advance of the elections.

Context

Scheduling of elections for the remaining six seats of the Senate, including those in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Islamabad, are subject to the passing of an extension of the Election Act 2017 to the areas. Elections cannot be held in these areas until the upper and lower houses of parliament vote to amend the Election Act to cover them.

Advice

Individuals in Pakistan are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid polling places and political rallies and demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

Due to the high threat of terrorism and other forms of violent crime, individuals are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities (their diplomatic mission or security manager). As a reminder, all Western embassies in Pakistan advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country. Travel to Pakistan should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.​