The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) approved on Saturday changes to 18 clauses of the election rules, with a 15-day window for objections to be raised.

One significant change requires candidates to open a separate bank account specifically for election campaign expenses, prohibiting the use of joint accounts.

Another alteration mandates that a returning officer (RO) must provide election results to candidates at the District Election Commission's office.

Additionally, postal ballots will be sent in separate packets to the relevant ROs, and if the RO does not receive the ballots before election day, the votes will not be counted.

The ROs are now required to immediately inform the electoral watchdog if results are not announced by 2:00 am. and provide reasons for the delay. The election results will be handed over in the presence of all candidates, and the RO will complete forms 47, 48, and 49 for results before sealing them.

Under the amended rules, candidates must calculate their electioneering expenses and provide the details to the ECP.

A new rule stipulates that the cost of filing an election-related petition with the ECP will be Rs100,000, and the ECP must make a decision within 180 days.

Furthermore, candidates requesting an adjournment of the petition hearing will face fines ranging from Rs10,000 to Rs50,000. The adjournment of a case will not exceed three days, according to another amended rule.

Political parties are now required to notify the election commission of intra-party elections 15 days before they take place and submit the results to the ECP within seven days of the elections.

Lastly, fines imposed by the election commission will be deposited into the national exchequer, as per another amendment.