Key Takeaways
- ECP ready to hold local government elections in Punjab.
- Legal and administrative issues in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan pose challenges.
- ECP to proceed with elections in cantonments if federal government requests.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has declared its readiness to hold local government (LG) elections in Punjab, according to a statement by the commission. However, the ECP faces significant legal and administrative hurdles in other provinces, including Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
In Islamabad, the ECP has completed delimitation but is awaiting the passage of the Islamabad Capital Territory Amendment Ordinance 2026. The commission has decided to take the matter with the federal government for immediate completion of the legislation. If the legislation is not completed, the ECP will proceed with elections under the existing Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Act 2015.
Regarding the local body polls in the cantonments, the ECP is prepared to hold elections. However, the federal government is required to make a formal request under Section 19-D of the Cantonments Act 2023. Despite repeated reminders and a letter from the chief election commissioner to the prime minister, no request has been received. The ECP has decided to write a final letter to the Ministry of Defence, and if no action is taken, it will take an appropriate decision regarding the holding of elections.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ECP has completed delimitation in 23 districts and is underway in seven. However, the provincial government amended Section 6 of the KP Local Government Act 2023, raising the threshold for village and neighbourhood councils from 5,000-15,000 to 30,000-40,000, which is not in conformity with the number of councils given in the 9th Schedule of the Act. The ECP has requested the provincial government to assist and suitably amend the number of councils in the 9th Schedule. With no action taken, the case is under hearing before the ECP, which will take an appropriate decision.
Regarding Balochistan, the term of LG institutions will expire, but the ECP has not provided specific details on the status of preparations.
The ECP has also informed that preparations have been started in Sindh for timely holding of local body polls, and instructions have been issued to its office to take all necessary steps.
The special meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja reviewed the progress of LG polls in all provinces, Islamabad, and cantonments. The commission was briefed on province-wise progress on the exercise and sought lists for the appointment of district returning officers, returning officers, and assistant returning officers.
The ECP's readiness to hold elections in Punjab and its ongoing efforts to address legal and administrative challenges in other provinces highlight the complex nature of the upcoming local government elections in Pakistan.
The ECP's statement underscores the need for cooperation from provincial governments to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.
