The government is also planning to introduce a biometric system for the local government (LG) elections, says Inayatullah. PHOTO: FILE
As Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa readies itself for local government (LG) elections in March or April of 2014, it is well behind the “90 day” schedule announced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan in April.
“Imran Khan had announced holding LG elections within three months in the capacity of the party chief, not as the head of the provincial coalition government,” said Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Inayatullah Khan on Wednesday.
Inayatullah was addressing a seminar on the Local Government Act 2013, organised by the Citizen Rights and Sustainable Development (CRSD) and Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) at the Peshawar Press Club.
“Delimitation for LG polls will be completed by January 15.” Following this, the provincial government will provide details on holding the polls, he added.
The government is also planning to introduce a biometric system for the local government (LG) elections, shared Inayatullah.
Defending the non-party based elections for village and neighbourhood councils, the minister claimed it “aims to restore the village as a basic unit as it used to be in the pre-union council days.”
It would have been difficult for political parties to field about 50,000 candidates for village and neighbourhood councils across the province, argued Inayatullah. The LG Act 2013 also ensures open elections for tehsil and district council nazims in an attempt to curb horse-trading.
“Those voting against their party will be penalised through the floor crossing law and will lose their seat.”
He added the LG law was framed after forming an across-the-board consensus. Hypothetically, if the chief minister (CM) suspends a nazim under the law, the CM will have to provide a reason in writing, explained Inayatullah.
“If allegations are not substantiated within 30 days, the nazim will automatically be reinstated.”
“We took this (LG) law to the select committee where leaders from all parties were included,” reiterated Inayatullah, claiming lawmakers agreed on 99% of the clauses sans one.
The government has also provided 30% of the development funds to local bodies in light of suggestions made by opposition lawmakers, shared the minister.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 28th, 2013.
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