NEWS DESK: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially rejected Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s plea seeking the postponement of local government elections in Quetta. The commission confirmed that the Quetta LG polls will take place on December 28, maintaining the previously announced schedule.
CM Bugti had requested a delay citing Quetta’s law and order concerns, the suspension of internet services, and the need for improved administrative readiness. He argued that the elections should be held only when security, weather, voter rolls and constituency demarcations were fully stabilized.
ECP Declares Petition “Devoid of Force”
In its written order, the ECP dismissed the petition, stating that the grounds presented carried no legal strength. The commission noted that all stages of delimitation, including publication of preliminary lists, handling of objections, and finalization of constituencies, had been completed in line with legal requirements.
The six-member commission issued a majority decision in favour of proceeding with elections. Only one member, Shah Muhammad Jatoi, dissented, citing severe winter conditions that may restrict voter mobility and the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan.
Strict Security Measures Ordered
The ECP directed the Balochistan government to provide full support, ensure foolproof security arrangements, and safeguard voters, candidates, polling staff, and the general public. It also highlighted that ballot paper printing had already begun, making any postponement impractical.
According to the ECP:
- Members of municipal corporations and committees who took oath on February 9, 2023 will complete their four-year term in February 2027.
- District council members sworn in on July 6, 2023 will complete their tenure in July 2027.
The ECP emphasized that the chief minister’s interpretation of tenure expiry was incorrect.
172 Union Councils, 641 Wards, 2,710 Candidates
The Quetta local government elections were repeatedly delayed due to litigation, constituency disputes and political disagreements. With all legal hurdles cleared, the commission said it is now bound to conduct the polls on time.
The upcoming polls will take place across 172 union councils and 641 wards, with 2,710 candidates competing. These elections come after years of delays since the previous local bodies completed their tenure in early 2019.
With the decision now final, the Quetta LG elections on December 28 mark a major development in local governance, paving the way for long-overdue municipal representation in the provincial capital.
