ECP Takes Key Decision on Islamabad Local Govt Elections

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has recently made a pivotal decision regarding the local government elections in Islamabad, as mandated by the Local Government Act 2015. A five-member ECP panel, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, deliberated on the matter. Key figures in attendance included the Secretary of Interior and ECP officials.

Special Secretary Zafar Iqbal Malik of the ECP stated that delimitation in Islamabad had been completed five times, with election schedules issued four times before. The final delimitation was published on October 14, and two reminders were sent to the Ministry of Interior regarding the expiration of the presidential ordinance on September 6.

The Ministry of Law had also declined to approve the necessary rules for Islamabad's local government structure, while the federal government had yet to introduce a new local government law. Malik argued that the 2015 law was still applicable, and elections should thus proceed under this legislation. The Secretary of Interior concurred that the presented facts were accurate, yet cautioned that if elections were held under the 2015 law, the delimitation process would need to be redone.

ECP Chief Commissioner Raja emphasized that holding elections under the existing law would not impact the delimitation process. He noted assurances from the Interior Minister, Secretary, Chief Commissioner, and a committee of ministers. Raja expressed concern over the government's reluctance to hold local elections in Islamabad, stressing that the Constitution mandates local elections to be conducted under the applicable law. The ECP concluded by directing officials to announce the election schedule promptly.