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, revising its earlier proposal to hold the polls on December 14.
The decision was taken on Thursday by a four-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. Other members of the bench included Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi and Babar Hassan Bharwana.
Punjab Chief Secretary, Minister for Local Government and Community Development Zeeshan Rafique, and the department’s secretary appeared before the commission during the hearing.
During the proceedings, the chief secretary informed the ECP that a committee formed by the provincial government had previously held consultations with the commission, during which both sides had agreed to conduct the elections between December and January.
He told the commission that the provincial government was fully prepared to hold the elections and had completed the necessary arrangements. He added that all required information and documents regarding the appointment of returning officers (ROs) and district returning officers (DROs) had already been submitted, leaving no administrative hurdles in the way of the electoral process.
The chief secretary also expressed the government’s willingness to proceed with the announcement of the election schedule. However, he requested that polling preferably be held after January 20, 2027, in different phases, citing weather conditions and administrative requirements.
He explained that dense fog during December and January, particularly in Lahore, could disrupt transportation, movement and other election-related activities. He also stressed the importance of favourable weather and sufficient daylight for conducting polling smoothly.
The commission was further informed that the provincial administration would arrange transportation facilities and use school buildings as polling stations. The chief secretary said the administration required an additional two months to complete the necessary preparations, adding that weather conditions generally improve after January 20.
An ECP member recalled that the provincial government had earlier proposed holding the elections in April. In response, the chief secretary said the government had reconsidered its position and was now agreeable to holding the polls in January or February.
However, he maintained that April would be a more suitable option due to longer daylight hours and school holidays. He argued that cold weather and shorter days during winter could discourage voters from participating in the electoral process.
The commission observed that under Articles 140A and 219(d) of the Constitution, read with Section 219 of the Elections Act, 2017, it was constitutionally bound to conduct local government elections across the provinces, Islamabad Capital Territory and cantonment areas.
It further emphasised its responsibility under Article 218(3) of the Constitution to ensure that elections are conducted honestly, fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law, while preventing corrupt practices.
After considering the constitutional requirements and the need to provide a level playing field to candidates and voters, the commission accepted the chief secretary’s request in the interest of justice.
Consequently, it announced February 7, 2027, as the polling date for the first phase of local government elections in Punjab and directed its relevant office to initiate further proceedings.
History of local government elections in Punjab
The last local government elections in Punjab were held in 2015 under the Punjab Local Government Act, 2013. Polling was conducted in phases between October and December, while elected councils assumed office in 2017 following indirect elections for mayors and chairpersons.
In April 2019, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government dissolved the elected local bodies before the completion of their tenure. However, the Supreme Court later declared the move unlawful and ordered their restoration. The councils eventually completed their tenure on December 31, 2021.
Since then, successive provincial governments have introduced amendments and replaced the Punjab Local Government Act several times. These legislative changes required the ECP to restart key preparations, including constituency delimitation and election planning, contributing to repeated delays in holding local government polls.
Under Article 140A of the Constitution and the Elections Act, local government elections are required to be held within 120 days of the expiry of local bodies’ terms. As the previous councils completed their tenure in December 2021, elections were constitutionally due by April 2022 but have remained pending.
