ECP rejects Balochistan CM's plea to postpone Quetta LG elections

QUETTA (Dunya News) - The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s request to postpone local body elections in Quetta.

In a written order, the ECP clarified that the local body elections in Quetta will proceed as per schedule, with polling set for December 28, 2025. The commission emphasized that the Balochistan government must fully cooperate with the ECP and other relevant authorities to ensure smooth election arrangements.

The order also directed the government and security agencies to make foolproof arrangements to safeguard voters, candidates, polling staff, and the general public.

However, a member of the Election Commission, Shah Muhammad, filed a dissenting note, expressing concerns over voter turnout due to the extreme cold in Quetta during December.

He noted that many residents tend to migrate to other districts in harsh weather conditions, which could adversely affect participation. Shah Muhammad also pointed out that the law and order situation in parts of Balochistan may not be conducive to holding elections and suggested that the polls in Quetta be postponed until the security and weather conditions improve.

Also read: ECP issues schedule for LG elections in Quetta

Despite these concerns, the ECP maintained that all necessary measures, including security deployment, will be implemented to ensure the elections are conducted fairly and safely, adhering to constitutional mandates.

The Quetta local body elections are now confirmed to take place on December 28, marking a crucial step in the province’s local governance process.

It also important to mention here that a Balochistan High Court (BHC), on October 10, also dismissed petitions filed on the same ground and directed the commission to hold elections “as soon as possible.”