ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that local government elections will be held in the federal capital, ending months of uncertainty over delays in the polling process.
The ECP issued its reserved verdict on petitions regarding the postponement of municipal elections in Islamabad.
The Commission declared the recent amendments made to the Islamabad Local Government Act, 2015 as inconsistent with the Constitution and existing electoral laws.
Furthermore, the ruling states that the authority to conduct elections, including those for reserved seats such as women and other special categories, lies solely with the Election Commission.
It focused on the fact that the Secretary of the Local Government Department does not have the legal mandate to organize elections or oversee related procedures. In this regard, the ECP clarified that only the Commission is empowered to appoint District Returning Officers (DROs), Returning Officers (ROs), and election staff.
It further noted that the Secretary of Local Government does not meet the legal definition of a public officer authorized to manage electoral responsibilities.
Moreover, the decision underlines that election personnel may be appointed from within the judiciary or administrative services, in accordance with constitutional provisions. This move aims to ensure neutrality, transparency, and institutional compliance in the conduct of local government polls.
The Commission also directed its relevant wing to begin preparations for the election schedule, signaling the start of the formal process leading up to the municipal polls in Islamabad.
The timeline for nominations, scrutiny, campaigning, and polling will be announced once the schedule is finalized.
The ECP’s decision is expected to pave the way for restoring the elected local government system, which plays a key role in public service delivery and community-level administration.
