ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan has directed that local government elections in the federal capital be held without further delay, ruling that assigning the conduct of polls to Union Council secretaries is unconstitutional.
The Commission noted that the term of Islamabad’s local governments expired on February 14, 2021, and under Articles 140-A, 219 and 120 of the Constitution, the federal government is required to hold fresh elections within 120 days. Despite repeated attempts, the process was stalled for years. The ECP completed delimitation five times, issued three schedules and engaged multiple authorities, yet the polls remained pending.
A formal hearing was held on November 13, and the decision was issued on November 17, ordering the immediate announcement of an election schedule.
The ECP stressed that recent amendments to Section 15(2) of the Local Government Act 2015 cannot override constitutional provisions. It said placing election duties on Union Council secretaries violates the law.
Under the Elections Act 2017 and Local Government Act 2015, the ECP alone is empowered to appoint District Returning Officers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers. Only officers notified by the Commission will conduct the polls, and UC secretaries cannot serve as presiding officers.
