Punjab local polls in doubt as govt opposes December schedule

The holding of local government elections in Punjab this year has been thrown into doubt, with the provincial government reportedly not agreeing with the Election Commission’s proposed December schedule and working on a plan to hold the polls in April 2027.

Sources said the Punjab government believed elections would not be feasible in December and January because of severe cold weather, while the electoral process could face difficulties in February and March due to Ramazan and Eid.

The government’s position is that candidates should be given at least one month after Eid to campaign, paving the way for elections in April, according to sources.

Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said the Local Government Act 2026 could be amended, but added that the party had so far issued no instructions for changes to the law.

He said an amendment would be required to restore the district cadre system.