Summary ECP has reserved its decision on Punjab’s request to hold local government elections after January 20, citing fog, weather conditions and the need for additional preparation time.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to conduct local government elections in Punjab in phases, setting February 7, 2027, as the date for the first phase of polling.
The decision came after the commission accepted a request from the Punjab government to hold the elections after January 20, 2027, citing weather conditions and administrative challenges.
In its short written order, the ECP said the request submitted by the Punjab chief secretary had been accepted in the interest of justice. The commission also directed its secretariat to take further necessary action.
During the hearing, the Punjab chief secretary informed the four-member ECP bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, that preparations for the local government elections were complete. However, he requested additional time, saying the provincial administration needed around two months to make the required arrangements.
He explained that dense fog in Punjab, particularly in Lahore, during December could create difficulties for voters and election staff. He added that weather conditions generally improve after January 20, making it more suitable for holding the polls.
The chief secretary also argued that shorter daylight hours during winter could affect voter participation and election arrangements. He said April would have been a more convenient option for the provincial government because of longer days and school holidays, but added that January and February were also acceptable.
During the proceedings, the chief election commissioner recalled that the Punjab government had previously proposed holding elections between December 15 and January 15 following consultations between the provincial cabinet committee and the ECP.
An ECP member also questioned the government's earlier preference for April elections.
The chief election commissioner said the commission would consider the request for a date after January 20 before announcing its decision.
Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq, the provincial chief secretary and the secretary of the local government commission also attended the hearing.
The ECP maintained that ensuring transparent, fair and lawful elections, along with providing a level playing field to all contestants, remained its responsibility.
