ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Punjab government have agreed to hold local government elections in the province between December 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, where modalities for fixing the date of the local government elections in Punjab were discussed.
The ECP was briefed on the completion of the delimitation process in the province.
Sikandar Sultan Raja said that holding local government elections was a constitutional requirement under Article 140A of the Constitution.
He said the ECP was responsible under the Elections Act for holding local government elections within 120 days of the expiry of the term of local governments.
Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was committed to holding local government elections in the province.
He said additional time was required to make necessary arrangements for the polls and ensure the availability of required resources.
Zeeshan said the December 15 to January 15 window had been proposed while keeping in view the examination schedule and foggy weather conditions in the province.
The Punjab chief secretary told the meeting that the provincial government wanted to conduct the local government elections in phases.
The ECP has sought a detailed plan from the Punjab government outlining arrangements for conducting the elections in phases.
