ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Punjab government has proposed holding local government elections between December 15 and January 15, with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) agreeing in principle to conduct the polls during the proposed period.
According to a statement issued by the Election Commission, a meeting was held to discuss fixing the date for local government elections in Punjab, during which the provincial government proposed holding the elections between December 15 and January 15.
The Election Commission agreed in principle to conduct the local government elections during the proposed dates.
The committee also proposed holding the local government elections in phases, citing the need for better security and administrative arrangements. The proposal for phased elections was presented to ensure improved management of the electoral process.
The Election Commission said that holding the elections in December and January would mean students’ examinations would have been completed, while fog would also be less severe during the proposed period. It added that teaching staff would also be available for election duties.
The meeting was further briefed that the delimitation process for local government elections in Punjab had been completed. The Election Commission directed the committee to present a plan for conducting the local government elections in phases at the earliest.
The Chief Election Commissioner appreciated the committee’s proposals and termed the holding of local government elections a constitutional responsibility.
He said that under Article 140-A of the Constitution, conducting local government elections was a constitutional requirement. He added that the Election Commission was responsible for holding elections within 120 days after the expiry of the term.