ECP Proposes December 14 for Punjab Local Government Elections

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed to hold local government elections in Punjab on December 14, 2023, and has sent a draft schedule to the Punjab chief secretary for consultation.

In a letter obtained by Dawn, Chaudhry Nadeem Qasim, the additional director general for local government elections, outlined the proposed timeline for the electoral process. He has requested the provincial government’s feedback on the suggested dates to finalize the schedule following ECP approval.

The proposed timeline indicates that nomination papers will be accepted from October 27 to 30, with scrutiny scheduled from November 2 to 5. Candidates will have the opportunity to appeal against the acceptance or rejection of their papers from November 7 to 11, with decisions made by tribunals between November 12 and 16. The last date for candidates to withdraw their nominations is set for November 18, with the final list of candidates to be published on November 19 and election symbols allocated on November 20.

Polling day is slated for December 14, with results expected to be announced by returning officers by December 17. This election is crucial for local governance in Punjab, impacting local administration and community representation.