Punjab Passes New Local Government Act, Putting December Polls in Doubt
The Election Commission now faces a choice between completing delimitations under the 2022 law or restarting under the new framework, a decision that could delay voting.
Overview
- The Election Commission had already launched delimitations under the 2022 act with a timeline running from preliminary maps by October 31 to final publication on December 8.
- The new 2025 law forces a procedural decision for the Election Commission after the government issues a gazette notification and election rules, with a restart likely pushing polls back by months.
- The bill cleared the assembly during an uproar with walkouts and demands to postpone proceedings due to Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan–linked unrest.
- Opposition lawmakers cited Article 140 and accused the government of centralizing power, highlighting rotating leadership arrangements, a single-vote ballot, and greater sway for bureaucrats.
- The government says the overhaul strengthens local governance, as observers note repeated past postponements and a Lahore High Court order requires local elections by the end of 2025.