LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved Rs12.52 billion to finance local government elections, signalling renewed preparations for polls that have remained pending for nearly 11 years. The decision was taken during a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Punjab last held local government elections in 2015, with elected councils assuming office in 2017. Those local bodies completed their term in December 2021, but subsequent changes to local government laws, delimitation issues and administrative delays repeatedly pushed the elections back.
The latest development comes after the Election Commission of Pakistan completed the delimitation process and dealt with objections. According to governance expert Ahmad Bilal Mehboob, the allocation of funds is a positive indication that the election schedule could be announced after August 17, with polling potentially taking place by November if there are no further delays.
The renewed push for local elections could also have wider political implications. Analysts believe restoring elected local governments may help address demands for greater political and administrative decentralisation, including the debate over the creation of new provinces in Punjab.
