Civil society urges Punjab to hold long-delayed local government elections

LAHORE: Civil society organisations have urged the Punjab government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure timely local government elections, warning that prolonged delays are weakening grassroots democracy and keeping citizens away from important local decision-making processes.

The demand was raised during an emergency meeting of the Coalition for the Restoration of Elected Local Government System in Punjab and the Board of Directors of Baidarie. Participants called for immediate steps to restore elected local councils and strengthen public service delivery across the province.

Arshad Mirza said timely elections were essential for democratic continuity and effective governance, arguing that empowered local institutions could resolve community-level problems more efficiently by bringing decision-making closer to citizens.

He also stressed the need for constitutional and legal safeguards to prevent repeated interruptions in the local government system, regardless of political changes at the provincial level.

The demand comes amid uncertainty over the election schedule. The ECP has rejected the Punjab government’s proposal to delay local government elections until April 2027. The provincial administration had reportedly suggested holding polling on April 4, 11 and 18, citing winter fog and logistical challenges during Ramadan.

Punjab has remained without elected local councils since December 2021, when the terms of its previous local governments expired. Repeated political and legal disputes have since prevented the restoration of elected grassroots institutions.

However, hopes for progress emerged after the ECP shared a phased draft election schedule with the provincial administration on October 2, 2026.

Salam Abid called for constitutional and legal protections to ensure local governments function regularly without unnecessary disruptions.

Hina Noureen emphasised the importance of consensus-based rules for establishing local councils, distributing administrative powers and transferring authority smoothly to newly elected representatives. She said a clear framework would improve coordination between provincial and local governments.

Um-e-Laila Azhar highlighted the need for meaningful devolution, stronger women’s representation and dedicated budget allocations to implement laws protecting women’s rights. She said inclusive local governance could give women a stronger voice in decisions affecting their communities.

Muhammad Tehseen called for transparent elections and proposed that legislation establish a clear timeframe, suggesting polls should be held within 90 days of provincial elections or the formation of a provincial government, as applicable under the proposed framework.

He also urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to support reforms aimed at strengthening local democracy and improving public services.

Meanwhile, Irfan Mufti called on the provincial government and ECP to coordinate closely and finalise the election schedule without further delays.

The participants expressed hope that constructive engagement among stakeholders would resolve outstanding issues and restore elected local governments, making governance more accessible, accountable and responsive to citizens’ everyday needs.