Pakistan's election body rejects nomination papers of ex-PM Ashraf

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Election authorities on Sunday rejected nomination papers of former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf over his misuse of powers on the last day of the scrutiny of papers of thousands of candidates, local media reported.

In another development, the election authorities accepted nomination papers of former President Pervez Musharraf to stand for the May 11 elections, officials said.

Musharraf's papers were earlier rejected in three areas capital Islamabad, southern port city of Karachi and Kasur district in Punjab.

However, his papers for the National Assembly seat were accepted by authorities in the northwestern Chitral district on the plea that no court has yet convicted him on multiple charges against him.

Pakistan will hold parliamentary elections on May 11 and thousands of candidates from dozens of political parties have filed nomination papers.

The election authorities on Sunday completed nomination papers, rejecting papers of several senior political leaders and former members of the parliament after different objections were raised about them. Some former MPs were barred over holding fake degrees.

Special tribunals will receive appeals against rejection of nomination papers from Monday until Wednesday. The tribunals will decide appeals in a week time.

The election authorities rejected Ashraf's nomination papers in Rawalpindi district near Islamabad after his rival raised objections that he had misappropriated funds and indulged in nepotism.

Ashraf, who had assumed the office of Prime Minister in June 2012, after then Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani was disqualified by the Supreme Court in contempt charges. He has right of appeal against the decision, legal experts said.

Nomination papers of former President Pervez Musharraf were accepted in Chitral district, raising hopes for his candidature for the National Assembly seat.

Election officials, while rejecting objections by his rivals, claimed that no court has convicted Musharraf so far and he could stand for the parliamentary seat.

Musharraf's papers were rejected in other areas after objections were raised by his rivals that he had violated the constitution and sacked top judges by imposing emergency rule in 2007.