ECP warns KP, Islamabad again over delays in local govt polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a stern warning to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and federal authorities, demanding the submission of all pending delimitation notifications by July 28 to facilitate long-delayed local government elections. The ECP emphasized that continued delays in conducting these polls, particularly as the terms for local governments in KP ended in March and in Islamabad in February 2021, are unacceptable and may lead to "serious consequences."

During hearings for both KP and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), ECP officials noted the lack of "meaningful assistance" from provincial authorities, which they deemed a constitutional violation. The commission recalled seeking crucial delimitation documents since April, receiving only an "unsatisfactory" reply to a May reminder. While KP authorities reported submitting maps for 23 districts and completing delimitation, notifications for eight districts remain pending provincial assembly approval.

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creating hurdles in the way of local government polls may attract serious consequences

The ECP's directive aims to ensure that delimitation can proceed in all districts, paving the way for timely elections. The ongoing delays have left approximately 2.5 million residents of Islamabad facing persistent issues, including water shortages and unpaved streets, highlighting the tangible impact of the electoral vacuum. The commission's firm stance underscores the urgency of restoring local governance structures.

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KP was not providing “meaningful assistance” as mandated by Article 220 of the Constitution