ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered a halt to the local government election process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), while setting February 7 as the date for the first phase of local government elections in Punjab.
The decisions were taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, which reviewed the status of local government elections and related arrangements in both provinces.
During the meeting, the commission examined an order issued by the federal government on November 4, particularly Clause 2, which reportedly provides for the suspension of Article 140A of the Constitution.
After reviewing the matter, the ECP decided to halt the local government election process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
It is worth recalling that on October 28, the commission had directed that local government elections be held in KP districts that were not affected by the emergency situation.
First Phase of Punjab Local Government Elections Set for February 7
The meeting also discussed arrangements for local government elections in Punjab.
The chief election commissioner noted that a meeting had previously been held between the Punjab Cabinet Committee and the Election Commission, during which the provincial government had proposed holding elections between December 15 and January 15.
Speaking at the meeting, Punjab Chief Secretary said that initial preparations for the elections had been completed, but an additional two months would be required to finalise the necessary administrative arrangements.
He also pointed out that dense fog during December and January could disrupt the electoral process, while cold weather could negatively affect voter turnout.
The Punjab chief secretary requested the commission to schedule the elections for a date after January 20.
After considering the provincial government’s request, the ECP approved February 7 for the first phase of local government elections in Punjab.
The latest decisions have put the local government election process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on hold, while preparations for the first phase of elections in Punjab are set to move forward following the announcement of the polling date.
