ECP rejects Balochistan CM’s plea to postpone LG polls in Quetta

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s request to postpone local government elections in Quetta.

In a written order issued on the CM’s plea, the ECP said the elections in Quetta will be held as per schedule, with polling to take place on December 28.

The decision stated that the Balochistan government must assist the ECP and all institutions involved in conducting the polls in line with the Constitution.

It directed full cooperation for all departments tasked with holding the local government elections in Quetta.

The commission further ordered foolproof security arrangements for the polls, ensuring the safety of voters, candidates, the general public and polling staff, and guaranteeing uninterrupted and peaceful polling across Quetta district.

However, ECP Balochistan member Shah Muhammad wrote a dissenting note, stating that severe cold weather in Quetta would result in low voter turnout, as many residents migrate to other districts during winter.

He said that the security situation in Balochistan was not conducive to holding local government elections, and recommended postponing the Quetta polls until law and order and weather conditions normalise.