ECP fixes Feb 7 as polling date for first phase of Punjab local govt elections

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially set February 7, 2027, as the date for the first phase of local government elections in Punjab, following a request from the provincial government. Initially, the commission had proposed holding the elections on December 14. The decision was made by a four-member bench led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, with members Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi, and Babar Hassan Bharwana.

Chief Secretary Punjab and Minister for Local Government, Zeeshan Rafique, and his department's secretary appeared before the commission to discuss the matter.

The chief secretary informed the commission that an earlier committee, set up by the Punjab government, had agreed to hold the elections between December and January. The provincial government assured the ECP that all necessary arrangements were in place, and there were no administrative impediments to holding the elections. However, the chief secretary requested that the date be set after January 20, 2027, to account for fog and weather conditions in Punjab, particularly in Lahore, which could cause issues for transportation and polling.

He also noted that April would be more suitable due to longer daylight hours and school holidays, but agreed to the February date due to its importance in ensuring a just and orderly electoral process.

The ECP emphasized its constitutional duty under Articles 140A and 219(d) of the Constitution, as well as Section 219 of the Elections Act, 2017, to conduct local government elections in various regions. Despite previous delays and changes in laws, the commission accepted the request to hold the elections on February 7, 2027, with follow-up actions to be taken accordingly.