ECP Fixes Feb 7 for First Phase of Punjab LG Polls
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has fixed February 7, 2027 as the date for the first phase of the Punjab LG polls. The commission also suspended the electoral process in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) until further orders, following the extension of the suspension of Article 140-A of the Constitution across the province.
A four-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja issued the short order on Thursday, accepting the Punjab government's request to hold the polls after January 20, 2027, in phases, given the weather and administrative convenience. The Express Tribune reported the decision on Thursday.
The commission said it was responsible for conducting elections honestly, fairly and in accordance with the law, while ensuring a level playing field. It directed its secretariat to take follow-up action on the order.
Why the Punjab government wanted a later date
Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq, the chief secretary and the local government secretary appeared before the commission during the hearing. The chief election commissioner recalled that a meeting had been held between the Punjab cabinet committee and the ECP, and that the provincial government had previously proposed holding the elections between December 15 and January 15.
The chief secretary told the commission that preparations were complete, but asked that polling be fixed after January 20, saying the administration needed two months for arrangements.
He explained that Punjab, particularly Lahore, experienced heavy fog in December, which made arrangements difficult for election staff, and that conditions generally improved after January 20.
A commission member questioned the earlier preference for April. "You were talking about holding elections in April," the member remarked. The chief secretary said the government had reconsidered and had no objection to January or February.
He said April had seemed better because schools were closed and days were longer, though winter turnout could suffer. The chief election commissioner said the commission would consider the request for a date after January 20 before announcing the schedule.
During an exchange with the chief secretary, the chief election commissioner also remarked, "You are celebrating Basant anyway." The commission subsequently reserved its decision on the Punjab government's request before issuing the short order announcing February 7 as the date for the first phase.
A long road to the Punjab LG polls
The February 7 date ends weeks of uncertainty. The ECP had earlier proposed December 14, but the Punjab government pressed for more time.
Feature Pakistan reported that the ECP rejected Punjab's April 2027 plan for local government polls in October. The commission has now settled between the two positions, with polling to begin in early February and later phases to follow.
The Punjab government had also proposed holding the elections in three phases in April, a plan the commission did not accept. The February schedule keeps the phased approach but brings the polls forward by about two months.
K-P process suspended
The short order also suspended the electoral process in K-P until further orders, following the extension of the suspension of Article 140-A of the Constitution across the province. The article requires each province to establish a local government system and devolve powers to elected representatives.
The ECP has already moved ahead with local government polls in the federal capital. The commission first ordered a fresh schedule for Islamabad's polls in October, and Feature Pakistan reported that Islamabad LG polls will be held on Dec 20 under a full election schedule issued by the commission. The earlier order for a fresh Islamabad schedule is covered in Feature Pakistan's report on the ECP order.
Reaction and what happens next
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch welcomed the ECP's decision to announce the schedule for local government elections in Punjab. Speaking in Lahore, Baloch said JI had long campaigned for local government elections in Punjab and would take part in the polls in Islamabad and Punjab.
The ECP secretariat will now work out the detailed schedule for the first phase, including nominations, scrutiny, withdrawal and symbols. Dates for the later phases have not been announced.
Frequently asked questions
When will the first phase of Punjab LG polls be held?
The first phase will be held on February 7, 2027, in a short order issued on Thursday, 5 November 2026.
Why did the ECP pick February 7?
Punjab asked for a date after January 20, 2027, citing heavy December fog, particularly in Lahore, and the need for two months to complete arrangements.
What happened to the K-P local government polls?
The ECP suspended the electoral process in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa until further orders, following the extension of the suspension of Article 140-A of the Constitution across the province.
What date had the ECP proposed earlier?
The ECP had earlier proposed December 14. Punjab had sought April 2027, then a date after January 20, before the commission settled on February 7.
Who welcomed the decision?
Jamaat-e-Islami Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch welcomed the announcement and said his party would take part in local government elections in both Islamabad and Punjab.
