The Election Commission of Pakistan withdrew the schedule for Islamabad local body elections. The decision followed a new ordinance changing the local government structure. As a result, the previously announced polling plan stands cancelled.
The ordinance was approved earlier this week by President Asif Ali Zardari. It amends the Local Government Act 2015 for the federal capital. Most notably, it replaces the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad with three town corporations.
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According to the ECP, the election schedule was withdrawn due to changes in election mode. The commission cited the promulgation of the local government ordinance. Thousands of candidates had already filed nomination papers from 125 union councils.
The ordinance grants expanded powers to a government-appointed administrator. It allows an indefinite tenure until new elections are held. It also authorises the administrator to impose taxes and fees. Previously, the tenure was limited to six months.
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Meanwhile, political parties and civil society rejected the amendments. PTI, rights activists, and Islamabad residents criticised the ordinance. Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman demanded polls under the original schedule. He called the ordinance undemocratic.