ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stated it was the responsibility of the provinces to conduct local bodies elections.
According to the statement, a full bench of the commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, conducted the hearing.
During the hearing, the chief election commissioner emphasised that, under the Constitution, the ECP is responsible for conducting local government elections at both federal and provincial levels.
He lamented that provincial governments are often unwilling to hold these elections. “Whenever we complete our preparations, provincial governments amend the laws, forcing us to restart the process,” he said.
He pointed out that due to these frequent legal changes, the election process is repeatedly delayed. “After much struggle, we managed to hold local government elections in three provinces and cantonments.
ECP head Raja noted that provincial governments have amended electoral laws five times at different stages. The ECP has conducted the delimitation process three times, yet despite announcing schedules, local government elections could not be held.
Punjab’s Chief Secretary informed the commission that the current provincial government began working on the Local Bodies Act soon after taking office.
He stated that input from all stakeholders is essential, and the final draft of the Local Government Act has been sent to the Punjab Assembly for necessary legislation.
Once the legislative process is complete, the required rules will also be formulated.
He assured the commission that the provincial government is fully prepared to facilitate local elections.
The Election Commission directed the Punjab government to complete the legislative process without further delay so that the commission could immediately initiate the delimitation process and ensure timely local government elections in the province.
Earlier, The Election Commission of Pakistan Balochistan chapter announced the results of local government by-elections held across 25 districts in the province.
Polling took place for 50 general wards in 25 districts, with a total of 167 candidates contesting for these positions.
Independent candidates emerged victorious by securing 23 seats, making a significant impact, according to the initial results.
Meanwhile, political parties such as Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) also claimed victories in various districts.
As per the Election Commission’s analysis, JUI candidates won seven seats, PPP secured five, and PkMAP pocketed four. Three seats were won by the National Party, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Awami National Party (ANP), and BNP-Awami each claimed two seats.
Also, the Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkNAP)and the Haq Do Tehreek managed to secure one seat each. –Agencies
