ECP, Punjab agree to hold LG polls between Dec 15 and Jan 15

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Punjab government have agreed to hold local government elections in the province between December 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.

The meeting discussed modalities for fixing the date for local government elections in Punjab.

The ECP was briefed on the completion of the delimitation process in the province.

Sikandar Sultan Raja said that holding local government elections was a constitutional requirement under Article 140A of the Constitution.

He said the ECP was responsible under the Elections Act for holding local government elections within 120 days of the expiry of the term of local governments.

Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was committed to holding local government elections in the province.

He said that time was required to make arrangements for the polls and ensure the availability of necessary resources.

Zeeshan said that December 15 to January 15 had been proposed for the elections, keeping in view the examination schedule and foggy weather conditions.

The Punjab chief secretary told the meeting that the provincial government wanted to conduct the local government elections in phases.

The ECP has sought a detailed plan from the Punjab government for conducting the elections in phases.