Upcoming Local Government Elections in Punjab: What You Need to Know
Hey there! If you’re keeping an eye on the political landscape in Pakistan, you might have heard some buzzing news. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced plans to hold local government elections in Punjab during the last week of December this year. After a lengthy wait, this decision could bring some much-needed change to the local governance structure.
So, what’s the scoop? A four-member bench led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja made this announcement following a hearing that addressed ongoing delays in organizing the elections. It’s no secret that the ECP has faced hurdles, especially with governmental pushbacks and numerous amendments to the local government law, causing significant delays since the expiration of Punjab’s local bodies term back in December 2021. That’s more than three years with no elections!
The elections will be conducted under the Local Government Act of 2022, and the good news is that the ECP has mandated the completion of constituency delimitation within two months. This is a step forward, and you can bet that work is already in progress!
During the discussions, ECP officials highlighted that while they aimed to hold local elections across various regions, provincial governments—particularly in Punjab—have thrown spanners in the works. Chief Commissioner Raja labeled the delays as not just a bureaucracy issue but a disgrace, reminding us all of the commission’s constitutional duty to conduct these elections. He even pointed out that if any government doesn’t want to hold local elections, they should consider amending the constitution to reflect that desire.
Interestingly, the Punjab government cited factors like floods and assembly sessions as reasons for the delays in approving the new local government law. Despite these setbacks, they reassured that they plan to present the bill in the next legislative session.
As for the mechanics of the elections, the ECP has made it clear that there are no legal barriers preventing the polls from proceeding under the 2022 Local Government Act. If electronic voting machines (EVMs) are a no-show, rest assured, ballots will still be an option.
Looking ahead, the Lahore High Court is set to hear a related petition from Jamaat-e-Islami on October 14, which means there’s still more to watch in this unfolding story.
The upcoming local government elections are more than just a political formality; they represent an opportunity for communities to engage and make their voices heard. If you’re as curious as I am about how these elections might impact your area, stay tuned for updates.
For those interested in diving deeper into local government dynamics, don’t hesitate to connect with Pro21st for insightful discussions and analyses!
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