ECP rejects Punjab’s proposal to delay local gov...

Summary

• The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected the Punjab government’s proposal to postpone local government elections until April 2027, directing officials to prepare the election schedule for immediate approval.
• Earlier this month, the ECP proposed holding the elections on December 14 and shared a draft schedule with the Punjab chief secretary for consultation.
• In a letter sent to the ECP on October 14, the Punjab government proposed conducting the elections in three phases on April 4, 11 and 18, 2027.

AI Generated Summary

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected the Punjab government’s proposal to postpone local government elections until April 2027, directing officials to prepare the election schedule for immediate approval.

The decision was taken on Thursday at a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The commission said it would proceed with the local government elections in Punjab in line with its constitutional and legal responsibilities.

Earlier this month, the ECP proposed holding the elections on December 14 and shared a draft schedule with the Punjab chief secretary for consultation. However, the provincial government requested a delay, citing harsh winter conditions, dense fog and smog expected in December and January. It also referred to the anticipated start of Ramazan in February.