LAHORE:Civil society organisations have called for the timely conduct of local government elections in Punjab, stressing that strengthening grassroots democracy, improving public service delivery and ensuring citizens’ participation in local decision-making are essential for effective governance.
At an emergency meeting, the Coalition for Restoration of Elected Local Government System in Punjab and the Board of Directors of Baidarie expressed hope that the long-delayed elections would be held in the province to restore elected representation at the grassroots level. Arshad Mirza stressed that timely local government elections were vital for democratic continuity and effective governance. He said an empowered local government system could help resolve community-level issues more efficiently by bringing decision-making closer to citizens.
He also called for constitutional and legal safeguards to ensure continuity of the local government system and provide a predictable framework for elections, irrespective of political changes.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected the Punjab government's proposal to postpone local government elections until April 2027. The provincial government had reportedly proposed holding the polls on April 4, 11 and 18, 2027, citing winter fog and logistical challenges associated with Ramazan.
