Islamabad, August 17, 2023 – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a directive to all political parties, mandating the submission of their consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2022-23 by August 29, 2023.
According to the ECP spokesperson, this requirement is in accordance with Section 210 of the Elections Act, 2017, and is supplemented by Sections 204, as well as rules 159 and 160 of the Election Rules, 2017.
Under these provisions, political parties are obligated to provide their financial declarations for the period ending on June 30th, 2023, no later than August 29th, 2023.
As specified by Section 210 of the Elections Act, 2017, political parties must furnish the Commission with a consolidated audited financial statement within sixty days following the conclusion of each financial year. This statement, documented on Form-D, is required to detail the party’s annual income and expenses, sources of funds, as well as asset and liability information.
The submission should also include an audit report from an accountant regarding the party’s financial accounts, along with a certificate signed by an authorized member designated by the party head. This certificate affirms the party’s adherence to the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017, particularly the prohibition of funds from restricted sources, and certifies the accuracy of the financial information provided.
The financial statement must be submitted using Form-D as prescribed in the Elections Act, 2017. Printed copies of the form are available free of charge at the Election Commission Secretariat in Islamabad, as well as at the offices of provincial election commissioners in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Additionally, both Form-D and the source of funds proforma are accessible on the ECP’s official website.
The ECP has emphasized the need to avoid any alterations or overwriting on the forms. Parties are required to attach membership or certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) for the appointed Auditor, along with a valid renewal certificate. The submission must include clear copies of the party’s bank statements from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, as well as a bank reconciliation statement.
The financial statement should be addressed to the Secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan, located at Constitution Avenue, G-5/2, Islamabad. It should be personally submitted by a party office bearer authorized by the party head in accordance with rule 156 of the Election Rules, 2017. Submissions through postal services, fax, courier, or other means will not be accepted.
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