CM seeks further delay in Quetta LG polls

Cites deteriorating law and order situation, cold weather as causes for deferring elections

ISLAMABAD:

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has filed an appeal with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) requesting the polls oversight authority to postpone local government elections in Quetta.

According to sources in the ECP, the CM has stated that LG polls cannot be held in the city due to deteriorating law and order situation and internet shutdown.

The appeal states that harsh weather causes people to migrate seasonally that may result in lower turn out in the upcoming LG polls

The CM contends that other districts in Balochistan held their LG elections three years ago, and only nine months remain before their term expires.

The ECP has already completed preparatory arrangements for elections in Quetta, and printing of ballot papers began on Monday.

The ECP on November 3 notified the schedule for holding LG elections in Quetta district, setting December 28 as polling day. The LG polls in the provincial capital have been pending since 2022.

According to the ECP's notification, returning officers (ROs) were to issue a public notice inviting nomination papers on November 11 while the candidates were to file the nomination papers from November 13 to November 17.

The scrutiny of nomination papers took place from November 19 to November 24 while the final list of contesting candidates was published on December 5, following the disposal of appeals and withdrawals.