The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has expressed concern over repeated delays in local government (LG) elections caused by frequent amendments to local government laws. In a press release issued on Monday January 19, 2026, the Commission reiterated recommendations made in its Annual Report 2024, calling for changes to Section 219 of the Elections Act 2017 to ensure timely conduct of local government elections.
The press release comes three days after the ECP recalled the schedule for conduct of LG election in Islamabad following the promulgation of Islamabad Local Government (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 that altered the LG framework for the federal capital.
Read FAFEN story on postponement of LG Elections in Islamabad
What does Section 219 of the Elections Act, 2017 provide?
Section 219 of the Elections Act, 2017 mandates the Election Commission to conduct local government elections in accordance with the applicable local government laws enacted by the federal or provincial government concerned. The section requires the ECP to announce the election schedule in consultation with the relevant federal or provincial government while also stipulating that local government elections must be held within 120 days of the expiry of a local government’s term.
In practice, however, frequent changes to local government laws after the expiry of local governments’ terms have repeatedly disrupted election schedules.
What concern has the ECP expressed?
In its Annual Report 2024, the ECP noted with concern that federal or provincial governments often repeal or amend local government laws after the expiry of a local government’s term. According to the Commission, such legislative changes “cause inordinate delay in the conduct of elections,” as new legal frameworks frequently require fresh delimitations and administrative adjustments.
Read FAFEN Policy Brief on Constitutional Reforms Required to Strengthen Local Governments
What changes has the ECP recommended?
In its press release, the ECP has recommended amending Section 219 of the Elections Act, 2017 to require that local government elections be conducted under the legal framework that is in force at the time elections become due. However, ensuring the timely election would also require changes to the Constitution as well, which the ECP had recommended in its Annual Report 2024.
In the 2024 report, the ECP suggested to amend the Article 140-A of the Constitution along with the Section 219 of the Elections Act to bar changes to local government laws and rules during a defined freeze period starting six months before the expiry of the LGs term in a province or federal territory. The ECP has also called for restrictions on altering the administrative boundaries of districts, tehsils, and local areas after the expiry of local governments’ terms.
FAFEN has also been recommending to amend these provisions for continuity of local governments and the timely elections.
What is the status of the ECP’s recommendations?
The ECP Annual Report 2024 carrying the abovementioned recommendations was laid before the National Assembly on September 5, 2025, as required under the Section 16(2) of the Elections Act 2017. However, no government or private member bill has so far been introduced in the National Assembly to legislate for incorporating the ECP’s recommended amendments to the Elections Act or the Constitution.
