Urdu Report Desk
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed December 14, 2026, as the polling date for local government elections in Punjab and sent the proposed election schedule to the provincial government for consultation.
According to a letter sent by the ECP to the Punjab chief secretary, the election process will begin with the filing of nomination papers from October 27 to 30.
Nomination Papers and Scrutiny
Under the proposed schedule, scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from November 2 to 5. Candidates will be allowed to file appeals against the acceptance or rejection of their nomination papers from November 7 to 11.
Decisions on Appeals
Election tribunals are expected to decide appeals related to nomination papers between November 12 and 16.
Final List of Candidates
The proposed last date for withdrawal of candidature is November 18, while the final list of candidates is scheduled to be published on November 19.
Election symbols will then be allotted to candidates on November 20.
Polling Proposed for December 14
The ECP has proposed December 14 for polling in Punjab, while returning officers are expected to announce the election results by December 17.
Punjab Government’s Opinion Sought
The ECP has sought the Punjab government’s opinion on the proposed timeline before issuing the final election schedule.
The commission’s letter also referred to a consultative meeting held on August 20 between the ECP and a provincial cabinet committee. During the meeting, the commission had agreed to the Punjab government’s proposal to hold local government elections between December 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
Rs. 12.5 Billion Approved
Earlier, on August 6, the Punjab cabinet approved Rs. 12.5 billion for conducting local government elections in the province.
Delays in Local Government Elections
Local government elections in Punjab have been repeatedly delayed since the previous local councils completed their term on December 31, 2021.
Under the Elections Act, local government elections were required to be held within 120 days of the expiry of the local bodies’ term.
