The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has scheduled the first phase of local government elections in Punjab for February 7, 2027, while suspending the election process in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa until further orders following an extension of the suspension of Article 140-A of the Constitution across the province.
Punjab Polls in February
In a short order issued on Thursday, the ECP accepted the Punjab government’s request to hold local government elections after January 20, 2027.
The commission decided that the first phase of polling would take place on February 7, 2027, and directed its secretariat to take the necessary follow-up action.
The Punjab chief secretary had informed the ECP that consultations between the provincial government’s committee and the commission had previously resulted in an understanding to hold elections between December and January.
However, the provincial government later requested that polling be scheduled after January 20 and conducted in phases, citing weather conditions and administrative requirements.
The ECP said it was responsible for ensuring that elections were conducted honestly, fairly and in accordance with the law, while providing all candidates with a level playing field.
Government Cites Weather
The decision followed a hearing before a four-member ECP bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.
Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq, the chief secretary and the local government secretary appeared before the commission to present the provincial government’s position.
During the proceedings, the chief election commissioner recalled that the Punjab cabinet committee had previously proposed holding local government elections between December 15 and January 15.
The chief secretary told the commission that preparations for the elections had been completed but requested additional time for administrative arrangements.
He said the provincial administration required approximately two months to organise the electoral process and urged the ECP to schedule polling after January 20.
Fog Raises Concerns
Explaining the request, the chief secretary said heavy fog during December, particularly in Lahore, could create difficulties for election staff and administrative arrangements.
He maintained that weather conditions generally improved after January 20, making February a more suitable period for conducting polling.
An ECP member questioned the government’s earlier preference for holding elections in April.
In response, the chief secretary said the provincial government had reconsidered its position and would have no objection to elections being held in January or February.
Islamabad Set for Long-Delayed Local Government Elections
He explained that April had initially been considered suitable because schools were closed for holidays and longer daylight hours could encourage voter participation. In contrast, shorter winter days and fog could affect turnout and election arrangements.
The chief election commissioner said the commission would consider the request before announcing its decision.
During an exchange with the chief secretary, Raja also remarked, “You are celebrating Basant anyway.”
The commission subsequently reserved its decision before issuing the short order setting February 7 as the date for the first phase of Punjab’s local government elections.
K-P Election Process Suspended
Alongside its decision on Punjab, the ECP suspended the local government election process in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa until further orders.
The suspension followed the extension of the suspension of Article 140-A of the Constitution across the province.
Article 140-A provides the constitutional framework for establishing elected local governments and devolving political, administrative and financial responsibilities to elected local representatives.
The commission’s decision means the K-P local government election process will remain on hold until further orders.
Jamaat-e-Islami Welcomes Move
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch welcomed the ECP’s decision to announce a schedule for local government elections in Punjab.
Speaking in Lahore, Baloch said his party had been pursuing a constitutional, legal and democratic struggle to ensure that local government elections were held in the province.
He added that JI would actively participate in local government elections in both Islamabad and Punjab.
The announcement sets a date for the first phase of Punjab’s long-awaited local government elections, while the ECP’s decision regarding Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa leaves the electoral process in that province suspended for now.
