Punjab Local Government Elections: Stakeholders Urge ECP to Finalise Schedule
In a bid to strengthen grassroots democracy and improve public service delivery, stakeholders have called on the Punjab government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold the long-overdue local government elections in the province. The Coalition for the Restoration of Elected Local Government System in Punjab and Baidarie's Board of Directors convened an emergency meeting to discuss the pressing need for the polls.
The participants emphasized the importance of devolving powers, ensuring adequate funding, and strengthening women's representation in local councils. They also stressed the need for clear rules governing the transfer of authority to elected councils. The ECP has previously rejected the provincial government's proposal to postpone the elections until April 2027, citing logistical challenges related to winter fog and Ramadan.
The terms of Punjab's last elected local governments expired in December 2021, leaving a power vacuum in the province. Stakeholders have urged the provincial government and the ECP to work together to finalise the election schedule, highlighting the need for empowered local councils to ensure responsive governance and greater public participation.
