ISLAMABAD – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that the first phase of local government elections in Punjab will take place on February 7, 2027, approving the provincial government’s request to conduct the polls in phases.
The decision was announced after a hearing on the Punjab government’s petition to reschedule the elections, which were initially expected to be held between December 15 and January 15.
In its written order, the commission accepted the request of the Punjab chief secretary, who had sought a date after January 20, 2027, citing weather conditions and administrative difficulties. The ECP also directed its secretariat to proceed with the necessary arrangements.
During the hearing, Chief Secretary Punjab told the four-member bench, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, that preparations for the elections had been completed but the administration needed approximately two months for final arrangements.
He said dense fog in December, particularly in Lahore, could create problems for voters and election personnel. He added that shorter daylight hours during winter could also affect polling arrangements.
The chief secretary said April would have been more convenient because of longer daylight hours and school holidays, but maintained that the provincial government could also hold elections in January or February.
The chief election commissioner recalled that the provincial government had earlier agreed to hold elections during the December-January period.
Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq and senior provincial officials also attended the proceedings.
The ECP reiterated its responsibility to ensure free, fair and transparent elections and provide a level playing field to all contestants.
