ECP announces February 7 date for Punjab local polls

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has fixed February 7, 2027, as the polling date for the first phase of local government elections in Punjab, accepting the provincial government’s request to delay the polls due to winter weather and administrative considerations.

The decision was taken on Thursday during a hearing chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The four-member bench also included commission members Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi and Babar Hassan Bharwana.

The ECP had earlier proposed December 14, 2026, for the local government elections. However, the Punjab government requested that polling be held after January 20, 2027, citing dense fog, cold weather and difficulties associated with conducting electoral activities during winter.

Punjab Chief Secretary, Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique and the department’s secretary appeared before the commission to present the provincial government’s position.

During the hearing, the chief secretary informed the ECP that the provincial government had completed the necessary preparations for holding local government elections. He said the required information and documents regarding the appointment of returning officers and district returning officers had also been submitted.

He added that the government had no objection to the announcement of the election schedule but wanted polling to take place after January 20 to ensure smooth and transparent arrangements.

The chief secretary explained that dense fog during December and January, particularly in Lahore, could create difficulties for voters, election staff and transportation. Shorter daylight hours and low temperatures could also affect polling activities and discourage people from visiting polling stations.

He further told the commission that the provincial administration needed additional time to arrange transportation and prepare school buildings for use as polling stations.

The government had previously suggested April as a more suitable period because of longer daylight hours and school holidays. However, the chief secretary said it was now willing to hold elections in January or February, although April remained preferable from an administrative perspective.

After hearing the provincial government’s arguments, the ECP considered its constitutional responsibilities regarding local government elections. The commission observed that Articles 140A and 219(d) of the Constitution, along with Section 219 of the Elections Act 2017, require it to organise local government elections across the provinces, Islamabad Capital Territory and cantonment boards.

The commission also referred to Article 218(3), which requires elections to be conducted honestly, fairly and in accordance with the law.

After considering the weather conditions and administrative requirements, the ECP accepted the Punjab government’s request and announced February 7, 2027, as the polling date for the first phase of local government elections. The commission directed its relevant office to take further action to implement the decision.

Punjab has faced prolonged delays in holding local government elections. The last polls were conducted in 2015 under the Punjab Local Government Act 2013, with polling held in different phases between October and December.

The elected councils formally assumed office in 2017 after indirect elections for mayors and chairpersons.

In April 2019, the PTI-led provincial government dissolved the elected local bodies before the completion of their tenure. The Supreme Court subsequently declared the move unlawful and ordered their restoration. The councils eventually completed their term on December 31, 2021.

Under Article 140A of the Constitution and the Elections Act, local government elections are required to be held within 120 days after the expiry of local bodies’ terms. Following the completion of the previous councils’ tenure in December 2021, elections were due by April 2022.

However, repeated changes to local government laws, fresh delimitation exercises and administrative delays under successive provincial governments have continued to postpone the electoral process.

The latest ECP decision sets a new timeline for the long-delayed local government elections in Punjab.