SCBA poll campaign to start from 6th.

ISLAMABAD: Lawyers will start campaigning for the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) election from Monday. Polling is scheduled for October 28.

It is thought the election of frontrunner Ali Ahmad Kurd as SCBA president would inject fresh impetus to the lawyers' movement for the restoration of the judiciary. Supporters hope he will rejuvenate the 18-month-old lawyers' movement. A tough competition is expected.

The PPP-led coalition government has put its weight behind ex-senator Muhammad Zafar. But a majority of lawyers still believe that Kurd has enough support to win.

Incumbent SCBA president Aitzaz Ahsan will step down but continue to spearhead the movement as chairman of the newly formed National Co-ordination Council (NCC) of lawyers.

A committee has been formed to oversee the election. Hafiz SA Rehman Supreme Court senior advocate will act as Returning Officer.

There are 1,623 votes available from the apex bar association. Official results will be announced on October 31 and the scrutiny of nomination papers and hearing of objections and decisions will take place on October 16.

Talking to Daily Times on Friday, SCBA Secretary Muhammad Amin Javed said the post of SCBA president rotates between provinces and will be held next by Balochistan. He said a meeting of the SCBA chaired by Ashan will be held in Karachi on October 6 to discuss the election and lawyers' movement.

link: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C10%5C04%5Cstory_4-10-2008_pg7_34