ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday ordered phased local government elections in Punjab, setting February 7, 2027, as the polling date for the first phase.
In a written order, the commission accepted the Punjab government’s request to hold the elections after January 20, 2027, citing concerns over dense winter fog, transportation difficulties and shorter daylight hours.
The decision was announced by a four-member ECP bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, with Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi and Babar Hassan Bharwana as members.
Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq, the provincial chief secretary and the secretary of the Local Government and Community Development Department appeared before the commission during the November 5 hearing.
Punjab seeks more time
During the hearing, the chief secretary told the commission that the provincial government had completed the necessary preparations and submitted the required information regarding the appointment of returning officers (ROs) and district returning officers (DROs).
He said the government had no objection to the ECP announcing the election schedule but requested that polling take place on or after January 20, 2027.
The chief secretary cited dense fog in December and January, saying it could disrupt transportation, the movement of election staff and other arrangements.
He also highlighted the need for adequate daylight to facilitate polling and said the provincial government would arrange transportation and make school buildings available as polling stations.
The government requested that elections be conducted in phases, taking weather conditions and administrative convenience into account.
ECP cites constitutional obligations
In its order, the commission referred to Articles 140-A and 219(d) of the Constitution, read with Section 219 of the Elections Act, 2017, which require it to conduct local government elections.
It also cited Article 218(3), which obligates the ECP to organise and conduct elections honestly, justly and fairly, in accordance with the law, while guarding against corrupt practices.
The commission said the provincial government’s request had been accepted in the interest of justice and to provide a level playing field to contesting candidates and voters.
“The first phase of local government elections in the province of Punjab will be held with poll date 07.02.2027,” the order stated.
The ECP directed its office to take further action accordingly.
Punjab’s long-delayed local government polls
Punjab last held local government elections in 2015, with polling conducted in phases between October and December. The final phase took place on December 5, 2015.
The elected councils assumed office in 2017 and were dissolved by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in April 2019. The Supreme Court subsequently ordered their restoration, and they completed their term on December 31, 2021.
The province has remained without elected local governments since then, despite repeated attempts to finalise a new election schedule.
Under Article 140-A of the Constitution, provincial governments are required to establish local governments and devolve political, administrative and financial responsibility and authority to elected representatives.
PAK SOUCH MEDIA GROUP
Daily Pak Souch Newspaper Sukkur – Daily Pak Special Newspaper Karachi – Daily Pak Today Newspaper Karachi – Daily Pak Jazbo Newspaper Sukkur
Head Office : Ayub Gate Shaikh Muhalla Near Rabbania Masjid Sukkur
Karachi Office : Office No. 1901-B, 19th Floor Saima Trade Tower (B) Block I.I Chandigarh Road Near Jung Press, Shaheen Complex & National Museum of Pakistan Karachi Sindh Pakistan.
Contact : 03009319022
Website 1 : https://paksouch.com/
Website 2 : https://sindhi.paksouch.com/
Website 3 : https://pakjazbo.com/
Website 4 : https://urdu.pakjazbo.com/
About The Author
