The Election Commission of Pakistan has rejected a plea from the Balochistan chief minister to delay Quetta’s local body polls. The commission said the elections will be held on December 28 as planned. It also directed the provincial government to support all arrangements.
The ECP issued a written order that reaffirmed its commitment to the election schedule. It instructed the Balochistan government and security agencies to ensure smooth polling operations. It further stressed the need for strong coordination among all departments. The order highlighted that public safety must remain the top priority.
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However, a commission member submitted a dissenting note that raised concerns about voter turnout. He warned that severe cold in December forces many residents to leave Quetta. He argued that this could reduce participation in the polls. He also cited security issues in parts of Balochistan.
Despite these concerns, the ECP decided to continue with the planned schedule. It said all essential security measures will be enforced. It added that the polls must follow constitutional requirements. It emphasized that fair conduct will guide every step.
Read more: ECP Rejects Balochistan Request, Quetta Polls Set
Earlier, the Balochistan High Court had dismissed similar petitions against the election schedule. It instructed the commission to hold the polls as soon as possible. Therefore, the Quetta local body elections will now proceed on December 28. This marks a key step in the province’s local governance process.