Punjab LB polls scheduled for January, while Sindh delays further

ECP issues code of conduct for LB polls, imposes freeze on development projects, transfer of funds.

KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released the schedule for elections in Punjab for local bodies elections, with polling day set for January 30, Express News reported.

Candidates for the Punjab polls are expected to receive their nomination papers from January 20-27.

Later in the day, the Punjab assembly also approved the local government bill despite the opposition boycotting proceedings.

Code of conduct

Election Commission has released code of conduct for the upcoming local government elections.

Accodring to the code of conduct, all development schemes have been embargoed. A freeze on funds transfer has also been imposed for all ministers and members of parliament to fund development projects.

Sindh cabinet sets own date

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon announced today that the provincial cabinet had opted to hold local bodies elections in March, contrary to the January 12 date set by the ECP.

He said the Sindh government would send the ECP a letter regarding this decision, despite the ECP having earlier stated that any requests for delays in elections should be taken to the Supreme Court.

Last week, the Election Commission of Pakistan had decided to conduct local government elections on January 18 in Sindh and on January 30 in Punjab and warned provinces that there should be no more delay.

In its maiden meeting on Monday with the new acting Chief Election Commissioner, Justice Nasirul Mulk in chair, the ECP decided to notify the polling schedule in the two provinces on December 7. The commission was due to notify it on November 29, but failed to do so because both the provinces did not complete the pre-requisites in time.

ECP Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan told reporters after the meeting that the election commission has written a letter to both the provinces to submit final copies of the three pre-requisite legislations, rules and delimitations by December 5 or December 6.