LAHORE:
After almost a decade, preparations for local government elections in Punjab are finally gaining momentum. Since the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered that all administrative arrangements be completed before the end of the year, critics still believe that the provincial government lacks genuine intention to hold timely elections.
Local governance analyst Salman Abid argued that while the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), as a coalition partner, had not shown any objection to the existing law, critical issues such as power-sharing, rule-making and delimitation remained unresolved.
“Therefore, elections may not be held before March 2026 as the government fears losing authority and has created companies and authorities to retain control. The provincial setup resembles General Zia-ul-Haq’s system of 1979, paving the way for non-partisan elections and greater centralization of power. The district government structure has also been abolished,” Abid noted.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Assembly Speaker emphasized the need for effective legislation to ensure that local bodies are 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,” the President said.
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 the 2023 and 2025 amendments reformed the framework.
As per the Amended Act, 2025, union councils and districts will be demarcated based on population, geography and administrative convenience. The Department of Local Government must now prepare clear rules on delimitation, distribution of seats and financial and administrative powers, so that elected local bodies can function effectively.
The ECP has directed the Punjab government to complete the 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. “The draft delimitation rules under the Local Government Act, 2025 have already been shared with the ECP. Notifications regarding classification and demarcation of urban corporations, municipal corporations, municipal committees and Tehsil councils will be sent by December 22, followed by union council numbers by December 31 and certified maps by January 10, 2026. The ECP will then begin the delimitation process,” he said. Zaman.
Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the PPP and PTI, have criticized the provincial government for attempting to centralize powers through recent amendments. PTI’s Sheikh Imtiaz claimed that the elections were being held on a non-partisan basis, allowing individuals to compete first and choose their party affiliation later. “This structure could encourage vote buying and manipulation. The government wants to delay the elections to maintain control,” Imtiaz alleged.
The Punjab government spokesperson, however, said that under the new system, local bodies will get greater financial autonomy, allowing elected representatives to form local development budgets similar to provincial assemblies.
In preparation, the ECP has initiated financial assessments for the elections. He is also considering assigning public school teachers electoral duties. However, the Department of Education has expressed concern, noting that elections held in January or March 2026 could disrupt school schedules and board exams.
Despite political disagreements, both the ECP and the Punjab government appear to be moving cautiously towards restoring local governance in the province. However, with pending legislation, incomplete rules and administrative hurdles, the timeline for the actual elections remains uncertain.
