ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has formally requested an amendment to the Elections Act, 2017, seeking to ensure the timely conduct of local government elections across the country.
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In a letter to the Parliamentary Affairs Division, the commission proposed alterations to Section 219(1) of the Elections Act. The current clause mandates the ECP to conduct local government polls under relevant provincial or federal laws. The amended text, however, would explicitly require elections at the time of the expiry or dissolution of local governments, tightening the timeline for the poll schedule.
لوکل گورنمنٹ الیکشن میں بار بار کی تاخیر کے ستائے الیکشن کمیشن نے آئین اور الیکشنز ایکٹ 2017 میں ترامیم تجویز کی ہیں۔ یہ ترامیم کیا ہیں اور کیا ان پر کسی طرح کی قانون سازی زیر غور ہے؟ جانئے فافن کی تازہ تحریر میں۔https://t.co/jkBM6GJRBh #LocalGovernmentElection #IslamabadLG… pic.twitter.com/VNO6EEsiLP
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The letter cited Article 140-A of the Constitution, which obliges provinces to establish elected local governments with devolved political and administrative powers. The ECP noted that despite this constitutional framework, successive governments have delayed polls, often by repealing or amending local government laws even after terms expire.
According to the Elections Act, Section 219(4) requires polls to be held within 120 days of the end of a local government’s term. The commission argued that delays undermine constitutional obligations and weaken local governance, which it termed the “bedrock of democracy” and essential for public service delivery at the grassroots level.
The ECP also recalled that it had previously struggled to conduct overdue local government polls in Punjab and Islamabad, citing legal complications stemming from Article 140-A. Earlier, the ECP summoned Punjab’s top administrative officials to explain the province’s delay in completing steps required for the electoral process.
Legal experts say the ECP already possesses considerable constitutional authority to ensure timely polls and guard against corrupt practices, including blocking legal maneuvers that could undermine election schedules. Some argue the commission could penalise governments for legislative interference during election periods.
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However, critics contend that asking the federal government to push amendments against its political interests may further slow the process rather than expedite it.