Punjab Government Moves to Hold Local Body Elections with New Local Government Act
Lahore:The Punjab government has taken a significant step towards holding local government elections in the province, with the approval of a new Local Government Act. This move comes after a hiatus of over three years during the tenure of the previous government, which failed to conduct any local elections. Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has expressed strong interest in implementing the new act and holding elections at the earliest.
According to sources, the Punjab Assembly is expected to present the new Local Government Act for approval in December. The proposed law aims to decentralize power and ensure greater political, administrative, and financial autonomy at the local level, in accordance with Article 140-A of the Pakistani Constitution.
### Key Features of the New Local Government Act:
1. **Proposal for 500 Union Councils in Lahore:**
The new Act proposes the establishment of 500 Union Councils in Lahore, aimed at ensuring more localized governance and empowering communities with direct administrative control.
2. **Party-based Elections and Union Council Structure:**
Local government elections will be conducted on a party basis, with elections held at the Union Council level. This shift is designed to provide more political accountability and transparency in local governance.
3. **Municipal Corporations and Chairman System:**
Under the new Act, municipal corporations will be formed, with a chairman heading each corporation. The Act also includes the establishment of Metropolitan Corporations in division-level headquarters, particularly in cities with a population of over 700,000.
4. **Publicly Declared Voting for Reserved Seats:**
The Act proposes openly declared voting for reserved seats, ensuring greater transparency in the election process.
5. **Clear Division Between Urban and Rural Areas:**
The Act outlines a clear demarcation between urban and rural areas for administrative purposes, ensuring that governance is tailored to the specific needs of these distinct regions.
6. **Population-based Formation of Union Councils:**
In areas with populations of fewer than 20,000, a Union Council will be established, further decentralizing governance. The total number of Union Councils in Lahore could exceed 500 under the new structure.
7. **Term of Local Bodies Set at 4 Years:**
The tenure for local government bodies under the new law will be set at four years, after which fresh elections will be held.
### Impact of the New Act:
The introduction of this new Local Government Act is expected to bring substantial improvements to governance at the grassroots level. By empowering local authorities with greater autonomy and ensuring more effective representation, the government aims to address the needs of citizens more efficiently. This move marks a significant shift from the previous government’s neglect of local elections and reflects the current administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic processes at the local level.
The Punjab government’s focus on holding timely local elections and implementing a more inclusive local governance model is likely to set a new precedent for administrative reforms across the country.
