ECP announces by-election for Senate seat vacated after Irfan Siddiqui's demise

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Election Commission of Punjab has announced the final schedule for the by-election to fill vacant Senate seat following the passing of Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui.

According to a public notice issued by the Provincial Election Commissioner of Punjab, candidates can submit their nomination papers to the Returning Officer from December 4 to December 5, 2025. The announcement designates the returning officer as responsible for overseeing the nomination and election process.

The initial list of candidates is scheduled to be published on December 6, 2025, with the scrutiny of nomination papers to be completed by December 8, 2025. Candidates whose papers are rejected may file appeals until December 10, and the final decisions on these appeals will be issued by December 12.

Following this process, the revised list of candidates will be published on December 13, 2025. Candidates will have until December 15 to withdraw their nominations if they choose.

The by-election will take place on December 24, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Punjab Provincial Assembly. The schedule provides a clear timeline for candidates and voters alike, ensuring transparency and adherence to election procedures.

Notably, Siddiqui, known as one of the closest aides to PML-N president Nawaz Sharif, was a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The veteran lawmaker also served on the committees for Business Advisory, Human Rights, Information and Broadcasting, Interior and Narcotics Control, and National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.