The Government has finally issued the notification of the Local Government Election Rules on March 12, 2026. Section 2.1 initially outlines preliminary provisions, including definitions and matters relating to enforcement. Section 3 explains the role and functions of the Election Commission, including the election schedule and procedures, with reference to the Elections Act 2017. It also authorizes the establishment of election tribunals and obliges government officials to extend cooperation and assistance.

Section 6 addresses the election of nine general members of the Union Councils. These elections will be conducted through a secret ballot based on adult franchise. The Election Commission will provide electoral rolls to the Returning Officers, who will distribute them among polling staff. District Election Offices will supply these lists to candidates for a prescribed fee, while the candidates must attach a photocopy of the relevant voter list page for vote verification along with their nomination papers. The Election Commission will also appoint Returning Officers, establish polling stations, and appoint polling staff in accordance with its guidelines.

In addition, any registered voter of a constituency may nominate another person as a candidate, while another registered voter may act as a seconder. However, no voter may nominate more than one candidate within the same constituency. The nomination papers must include the signatures of the proposer, seconder, and candidate. Candidates must also sign and attach declarations affirming that they meet the eligibility criteria, are not disqualified, will remain loyal to voters and the public, and—if Muslim—believe in the Finality of Prophethood.

Moreover, the Returning Officer will assign a serial number to nomination papers, record them, and issue a receipt. A candidate may not submit more than one set of nomination papers. Each candidate must submit a fee through a bank draft or a pay order along with the nomination papers.

Meanwhile, the Returning Officer will publish nomination details for public information. Any voter, candidate, their agent, proposer, or seconder may raise objections to a nomination. The Returning Officer will receive and hear objections and may reject nomination papers if they are incomplete, if the candidate is ineligible under Article 67, or if the proposer’s or seconder’s signatures or eligibility are doubtful. An aggrieved person may file an appeal before the Election Tribunal within the prescribed time against the rejection of nomination papers.

The rules also address various procedural aspects of elections. Candidates have the right to appoint polling agents and election agents, as well as the authority to replace or dismiss them.

Under the election procedure, nine general members will be elected through a secret ballot. However, reserved seats will be filled in the house through a show of hands; if there are multiple candidates, voting will take place within the house. In the event of a tie, the decision will be made by drawing lots. In such cases, voting is open rather than conducted by secret ballot.

Every registered political party may nominate candidates, provided that a form or letter from the party head (i.e., a party ticket) is attached. Eligible candidates may also contest as independents, but they will not be allotted any political party symbol. The Election Commission will provide a list of symbols.

Any independent candidate who wins the election may join a political party within thirty days if they wish, or may retain their independent status.

The eligibility criteria for candidates are clearly defined in the law. The minimum age for general candidates is 21 years, while for becoming a head it is 25 years. The head of a Union Council will be selected from among its total 13 members. However, heads of Towns, Municipal Corporations, Municipal Committees, and Tehsil Councils will be elected by the general voters of the constituency, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.

Election Fees for Candidates:

  • Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Town & Municipal Corporation: Rs. 100,000 (joint candidates)
  • Chairperson & Vice Chairperson, Tehsil Council: Rs. 100,000 (joint candidates)
  • Chairperson & Vice Chairperson, Municipal Committee: Rs. 50,000 (joint candidates)
  • Chairperson & Vice Chairperson, Union Council: Rs. 20,000
  • General and reserved seats in Union Council: Rs. 10,000

Limits on Election Expenses:

  • Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Chairperson, Vice Chairperson (Town Municipal Corporation & Tehsil Council): maximum Rs. 1,000,000 (joint candidates)
  • Chairperson & Vice Chairperson (Municipal Committees): maximum Rs. 500,000 (joint candidates)
  • Candidates for reserved seats in Town, Municipal Corporation, and Tehsil Councils: up to Rs. 100,000
  • General members and Chairperson/Vice Chairperson of Union Councils: maximum Rs. 250,000
  • Candidates for reserved seats in Union Councils: up to Rs. 100,000

All candidates are required to maintain and submit a record of their election expenses.

 

— Written by Zahid Islam, Member of FAFEN National Council and Executive Director, Sangat Development Foundation