ECP ready for LG polls in Punjab, KP; blames last-minute amendments for delays

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced its readiness to conduct local government elections in Punjab and 23 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the commission highlighted that the process has been repeatedly stalled by last-minute amendments introduced by both federal and provincial governments.

In Punjab, the ECP confirmed that hearings on objections to preliminary delimitation have concluded. Decisions are expected by August 7, 2026, with the final delimitation to be published on August 17, 2026. Following this, the ECP will consult with the Punjab government to set the election schedule.

The situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is more complex, with delimitation completed in 23 districts and ongoing in seven others. The provincial government amended the KP Local Government Act on July 21, 2026, significantly increasing the population threshold for village and neighborhood councils. This amendment created a mismatch with the existing Ninth Schedule, making delimitation impossible in affected districts and prompting a request for further time from the provincial government.

The ECP emphasized its constitutional and legal obligation to hold local government elections within 120 days of the expiry of terms. It cited a pattern of derailment due to legislative changes made during or immediately after delimitation, causing legal and administrative confusion. To prevent such delays in the future, the ECP proposed amendments to prohibit governments from altering local government laws or district boundaries after terms have expired. It also suggested that major restructuring of the local government system should occur at least one year before term expiry to ensure timely elections.