LAHORE:
After almost a decade, preparations for local government elections in Punjab are finally gathering pace. With the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) directing that all administrative arrangements must be completed by the end of the year, critics still believe the provincial government lacks genuine intent to hold timely elections.
Local government analyst Salman Abid claimed that while the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), as a coalition partner, had shown no objection to the existing act, critical issues such as power-sharing, rule-making and delimitation remained unresolved.
“Therefore, elections may not take place until March 2026 as the government fears losing authority and has created companies and authorities to maintain control. The provincial setup resembles General Zia-ul-Haq’s 1979 system, paving the way for non-party elections and further centralization of power. The district government structure has also been abolished,” Abid noted.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly stressed the need for effective legislation to ensure that local bodies were empowered under Article 140-A of the Constitution. “I have formed a special parliamentary committee to review laws, recommend reforms and ensure that the spirit of Article 140-A is fully embodied. Democracy cannot be strengthened without constitutionally empowered local governments,” the Speaker stated.
Punjab last held local government elections in May 2015, after which local bodies were dissolved amid political and legal disputes. In 2022, the Punjab Local Government Act introduced direct election of representatives, but amendments in 2023 and 2025 reshaped the framework.
Under the 2025 amended law, Union Councils and Wards will be demarcated based on population, geography and administrative convenience. The Municipal Agency must now draw up clear rules on delimitation, distribution of mandates and financial and administrative powers, so that elected local bodies can function effectively.
The ECP has directed the Punjab government to complete the delimitation immediately. Preliminary demarcation lists are expected in the third week of December 2025, followed by 15 days for public objections. The Chief Election Commissioner reaffirmed that the conduct of the election was a joint responsibility of both the provincial government and the ECP. During a recent high-level meeting, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman assured that the Punjab government was committed to the process. “Draft delimitation rules under the Local Government Act 2025 have already been shared with the ECP. Notifications regarding classification and delimitation of City Corporations, Municipal Corporations, Municipal Committees and Tehsil Councils will be sent by December 22, followed by Union Council numbers by December 31, and certified maps by January 10, 2026 will then begin the ECP delimitation process.”
Meanwhile, opposition parties including PPP and PTI have criticized the provincial government for trying to centralize powers through recent changes. PTI’s Sheikh Imtiaz argued that elections were held on a non-party basis, allowing individuals to contest first and choose party affiliation later. “This structure could encourage vote buying and manipulation. The government wants to postpone elections to maintain control,” alleged Imtiaz.
However, the Punjab government spokesman claimed that under the new system, local bodies will gain greater financial autonomy, allowing elected officials to form local development budgets similar to provincial assemblies.
In preparation, the ECP has begun financial assessments for the elections. It is also considering appointing government school teachers to elective posts. However, the Ministry of Education has expressed concern, noting that elections held in January or March 2026 may disrupt school schedules and board exams.
Despite political differences, both the ECP and the Punjab government appear to be moving cautiously towards restoring local governance in the province. Still, with pending legislation, incomplete regulations and administrative bottlenecks, the timeline for actual elections remains uncertain.
