A local leader of the Awami National Party (ANP) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber district died on Monday.

Initial reports said that the ANP leader was the party’s candidate, however, later it was confirmed that he did not submit his nomination papers.

The deadline for submitting the nomination papers expired on Sunday when it was seen key political leaders submitting their documents at the DC Office.

But such news sparked a debate that how an election would be held if any candidate dies before the printing of ballot papers and submission of nomination papers.

The news was related to the death of ANP leader Niaz Wali. He was among the names suggested by the party for the provincial assembly seat PK 70.

Since his name was among the suggested by the party, it was assumed that the candidate who submitted papers passed away and the election could be delayed.

But a list issued by the returning officer showed that Suleman Shah from the ANP submitted his nomination papers from PK 70. Niaz Wali did not submit his papers.

According to reports, he died of a heart attack.

“If a contesting candidate dies before commencement of the poll or during the polling hours, the returning officer shall, by public notice, terminate the proceedings relating to that election.

Where the proceedings relating to an election have been terminated under sub-section (1), fresh proceedings shall be commenced in accordance with the provisions of this Act, as if for a new election but it shall not be necessary for the other contesting candidates to file fresh nomination papers or make a further deposit under Section 61 [deposits],“ states Section 73 (death of a candidate after nomination) of the Election Commission of Pakistan Act.