ECP halts local government election preparations in KP following governor’s order

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has suspended preparations for local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) territory, following instructions from the provincial governor. This decision came into effect on November 4, 2026, when Governor's Order No. 3 was issued. The ECP deliberated on this matter during a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.

The order, according to Clause 2, suspends Article 140-A of the Constitution, which would have impacted the establishment of local governments in all districts of KP, except those specifically notified. Article 140-A(2) of the Constitution, however, designates the Election Commission to manage local government elections. The ECP recognized that the suspension of Article 140-A in the remaining districts of KP would prevent the commission from organizing elections there.

After a thorough review of the implications of the governor’s order, the ECP concluded that it is not feasible to hold local government elections in the remaining districts. As a result, the commission has halted all activities previously undertaken to hold these elections in those districts.