ECP agrees to Punjab proposal for local govt elections between Dec 15 and Jan 15

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has agreed to the Punjab government’s proposed window for holding local government elections in the province between December 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.

The proposed schedule was discussed at a meeting of the commission in Islamabad on Thursday, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.

Punjab’s four-member cabinet committee on local government affairs also participated in the meeting. The delegation was headed by Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq and included Mines and Minerals Minister Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, Agriculture Minister Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah and Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat.

The Punjab chief secretary and special secretary for local government were also present.

Officials told the commission that the delimitation of local government constituencies in the province had been completed, clearing a key step ahead of the elections.

The ECP said the provincial government’s consultation was required before fixing the polling date under the Elections Act 2017 and the Punjab Local Government Act.

The Punjab delegation conveyed that the chief minister was committed to holding the local elections and had authorised the cabinet committee to consult with the ECP on the election schedule.