ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to expedite preparations for the local government elections by directing the relevant administrations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad to provide all pending maps, records of delimitations and other necessary information by July 1.
A crucial meeting chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner reviewed the progress of local government elections in Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting was also attended by members, secretaries and other senior officials of the Election Commission.
The Election Commission expressed concern over the KP government’s failure to provide the required maps and records of 15 districts. The Commission, citing Article 220 of the Constitution, clarified that all administrative institutions are bound to cooperate with the Election Commission.
In this regard, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary and Secretary Local Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and directed them to provide the required information by July 1. Both the officials will also have to appear in person and explain the reasons for the delay.
In the case of Islamabad, the Election Commission was informed that the matter related to the delimitation of town corporations and determination of the number of union councils has been sent to the federal cabinet for approval, however, neither the final notification has been issued nor the maps have been provided to the Election Commission yet.
Taking notice of this situation, the Commission has also issued notices to the Chief Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad and has fixed the hearing of the matter for July 1.
The Election Commission has also issued instructions regarding Punjab, saying that all administrative and legal preparations should be finalized to issue the election schedule as soon as the delimitation process is completed so that the local government elections are not delayed further.
Local government elections in Islamabad have been stalled for the last five years. Despite the local government’s term ending in 2021, the elections have been postponed repeatedly due to various legal, administrative and political reasons. During this time, citizens are facing basic amenities, water supply, road construction and other local government issues.
Similarly, local government elections in Punjab have been delayed for a long time. According to constitutional requirements, elections must be held within 120 days of the end of the term of local governments, but this process could not be completed due to repeated amendments to the laws and administrative issues.
According to political observers, the recent action of the Election Commission is an indication that the institution is not ready to tolerate further delays in holding local government elections and is increasing pressure on the respective governments to fulfill their constitutional obligations.
