QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfaraz Bugti filed an appeal with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday, seeking a delay in the upcoming local government elections in Quetta, sources said.
The appeal cited a critical law-and-order situation in the city and widespread internet outages, which pose operational challenges for the polls. It also noted that severe weather has forced many residents into seasonal migration, affecting voter turnout.
The chief minister added that local government elections in other districts of Balochistan were held three years ago, and only nine months remain before the current LG bodies’ term ends.
ECP officials said preparations for Quetta’s elections are complete. Ballot paper printing began on Monday.
Last month, the ECP rejected a similar request from the provincial government to postpone the polls. The commission instructed authorities to ensure full security for a smooth voting process.
The ECP had announced that local government elections in Quetta will be held on December 28. Nomination papers for general seats in urban union councils were accepted from November 13 to 17.
The commission stressed that holding elections on time is crucial for strengthening local democracy and maintaining the constitutional schedule for local bodies in Balochistan.
In October, the Balochistan High Court ordered the immediate conduct of local government elections in Quetta.
Local government polls are considered vital for empowering communities and promoting grassroots governance. The province has faced repeated delays due to administrative hurdles, boundary disputes, and legal challenges.
The last major round of local body elections in Balochistan was conducted in phases, leaving several districts without representatives for years.
