ECP proposes LG polls in Punjab on Dec 14

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Friday shared a draft schedule for local government elections in Punjab with provincial government, proposing December 14 as polling date.

Election Commission Additional Director General (LGE) Ch Nadeem Qasim sent a letter to Punjab Chief Secretary along with proposed election programme, a copy of which is available with The News.

According to the schedule, nomination papers for local government elections will be filed from October 27 to 30, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from November 2 to 5.

Appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers will be filed from November 7 to 11, while decisions on appeals are to be announced by November 16.

The deadline for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers is November 18, while the final list of candidates along with election symbols will be issued on November 20.

Polling is proposed to be held on December 14, while Returning Officers are expected to announce results on December 17.

Through the letter, ECP has sought provincial government’s views on proposed timeline for local government elections. It is understood final schedule for local government elections will be issued after approval by Election Commission.

The LGE referred to consultative meeting held by Election Commission on August 20 with Committee of Provincial Cabinet Government of Punjab regarding announcement of polling date for conduct of local government elections in Punjab.

During the meeting, Election Commission had agreed with provincial government’s proposal to hold local government elections in Punjab between December 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027.

“In view of the above, a draft Election Programme indicating proposed timelines for various election activities has been prepared for conduct of Local Government Elections in Punjab, which is being sent for consultation and feedback/comments on proposed timelines at the earliest, so that ECP may issue Election Programme for timely conduct of the LG polls”, letter stated.