Pakistan’s Election Commission has taken a decisive step toward restoring local democracy in Islamabad. After months of uncertainty, the Commission released its final decision and confirmed that the capital will soon hold long-awaited local government elections. The announcement removes major procedural hurdles and opens the door to fresh polls after a four-year delay.
Commission Defines Its Appointment Powers
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stated that it will appoint Returning Officers, Deputy Returning Officers, and Assistant Returning Officers. Moreover, it will select these officials from government departments, the judiciary, or any other relevant public institution.
This declaration matters because earlier disputes centered on who controlled these appointments. Consequently, the preparations for elections stalled several times. With this clarification, the ECP reinforces its constitutional role and sets a firm administrative foundation for the upcoming polls.
Previous Local Government Ended in 2021
Islamabad’s last local government completed its term on 14 February 2021. According to Pakistan’s local government law, the ECP must hold elections within 120 days after a term ends. However, several complications blocked timely elections. Political changes delayed decisions, while new delimitations forced officials to draw fresh boundaries. In addition, legal challenges slowed the Commission’s work and added further uncertainty.
Because of these repeated interruptions, Islamabad spent nearly four years without elected municipal leadership. As a result, many essential services depended on bureaucratic oversight. Residents often complained that waste management, water supply, and zoning decisions lacked transparency and public accountability.
New Decision Clears the Way
With the latest announcement, the ECP has cleared the most significant procedural obstacle. Although the Commission has not released a final polling schedule, officials say this decision represents a crucial turning point. Furthermore, the ruling signals that the Commission intends to move forward without further delays.
Courts in Pakistan have repeatedly emphasized the importance of timely local elections. Judges argue that local governments strengthen democracy by bringing representation closer to citizens. Likewise, civil society groups welcomed the new decision. They believe the return of elected officials will give residents a stronger voice in public affairs.
Earlier Attempts Faced Repeated Delays
Islamabad’s elections faced several setbacks in recent years. For instance, the ECP issued a polling schedule in late 2022. Yet the government increased the number of union councils shortly afterwards. Therefore, the Commission halted the election process and began new delimitations.
Later, disagreements between political actors created more obstacles. Some parties accused rivals of trying to influence boundaries, while government officials insisted that administrative changes were unavoidable. As a result, the city entered a long cycle of postponements, which frustrated residents and analysts alike.
Several Steps Still Remain
Despite the progress, the ECP must complete several tasks before polling begins. First, officials must finalize the updated electoral rolls. Then, the Commission must publish the new delimitations. Afterward, it must appoint and train ROs, DROs, and AROs. Finally, the ECP must release the formal election schedule and open the nomination period.
Once these steps are finished, Islamabad will enter a full campaign phase. Political parties have already begun informal outreach. Many expect a competitive contest because the city has expanded rapidly and now faces complex urban challenges.
Residents Look Ahead With Cautious Optimism
Many citizens hope that elected representatives will address long-standing problems. Water shortages, unmanaged construction, waste disposal issues, and traffic congestion continue to affect daily life. Although bureaucratic systems kept essential services running, many residents believe that elected leaders can respond more effectively to community needs.
Therefore, the ECP’s new ruling brings a sense of cautious optimism. If the process continues without delay, Islamabad will soon hold its first local government elections since before the pandemic. For the capital’s residents, the decision marks not only a return to local democracy but also an opportunity to improve the city’s future through stronger, more accountable leadership.
