LAHORE:
After nearly a decade, preparations for local government elections in Punjab are finally gaining momentum. With the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) directing all administrative arrangements to be completed before the year ends, critics still believe the provincial government lacks genuine intent to hold timely elections.
Local governance analyst Salman Abid argued that while the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), as a coalition partner, had shown no objection to the existing act, critical issues like power sharing, framing of rules, and delimitation remained unresolved.
“Hence elections may not occur before March 2026 since the government fears losing authority and has created companies and authorities to retain control. The provincial setup resembles General Zia-ul-Haq’s 1979 system, paving the way for non-party-based elections and further centralizing power. The district government structure has also been abolished,” noted Abid.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly emphasized the need for effective legislation to ensure that local bodies were empowered under Article 140-A of the Constitution. “I have formed a special parliamentary committee to review laws, recommend reforms, and ensure that the spirit of Article 140-A is fully incorporated. Democracy cannot be strengthened without constitutionally empowered local governments,” stated the Speaker.
Punjab last held local government elections in May 2015, after which local bodies were dissolved amid political and legal disputes. In 2022, the Punjab Local Government Act introduced direct elections of representatives, but amendments in 2023 and 2025 reshaped the framework.
Under the 2025 Amended Act, Union Councils and Wards will be demarcated according to population, geography, and administrative convenience. The Local Government Department must now prepare clear rules regarding delimitation, seat distribution, and financial and administrative powers, so that elected local bodies can function effectively.
The ECP has instructed the Punjab government to complete delimitation immediately. Preliminary delimitation lists are expected by the third week of December 2025, followed by 15 days for public objections. The Chief Election Commissioner reaffirmed that holding the elections was a joint responsibility of both the provincial government and the ECP. During a recent high-level meeting, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman assured that the Punjab government was committed to the process. “Draft delimitation rules under the Local Government Act 2025 have already been shared with the ECP. Notifications regarding the classification and demarcation of Town Corporations, Municipal Corporations, Municipal Committees, and Tehsil Councils will be sent by 22 December, followed by Union Council numbers by 31 December, and certified maps by 10 January 2026. The ECP will then begin the delimitation process,” said Zaman.
Meanwhile, opposition parties, including PPP and PTI, have criticized the provincial government for attempting to centralize powers through recent amendments. PTI’s Sheikh Imtiaz claimed that elections were being held on a non-party basis, allowing individuals to contest first and choose party affiliation later. “This structure could encourage vote-buying and manipulation. The government wants to delay elections to maintain control,” alleged Imtiaz.
The Punjab government’s spokesperson, however, claimed that under the new system, local bodies will gain greater financial autonomy, enabling elected representatives to form local development budgets similar to provincial assemblies.
In preparation, the ECP has begun financial assessments for the elections. It is also considering assigning government school teachers to election duties. However, the Education Department has voiced concerns, noting that elections held in January or March 2026 could disrupt school schedules and board examinations.
Despite political disagreements, both the ECP and the Punjab government appear to be moving cautiously toward restoring local governance in the province. Yet, with pending legislation, incomplete rules, and administrative bottlenecks, the timeline for actual elections remains uncertain.
