ECP Defends Delay in Punjab Local Government Elections, Cites Legal Requirements Under New Act
Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has stated that criticism over the postponement of local government elections in Punjab reflects a lack of understanding of the Constitution and electoral laws.
In a statement, the ECP clarified that under Article 140A of the Constitution, the provincial government is responsible for enacting local government laws, while the Commission, under Section 219 of the Elections Act, 2017, is the competent authority to conduct the elections.
The Commission explained that the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 has now been enacted, effectively repealing the 2022 law, making elections under the previous legislation legally impossible.
It added that following the approval of the new Local Government Act 2025, it was legally necessary to withdraw the earlier delimitation schedule. The Punjab government has been granted four weeks to finalize the delimitation and demarcation rules, after which a new delimitation schedule will be issued.
The ECP has also summoned the Chief Secretary and Secretary of Local Government on **October 30**, directing that local government elections be held immediately upon completion of the delimitation process.
