ECP sets February 7, 2027, for Punjab polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan has set February 7, 2027, for the first phase of Punjab’s local-government elections, directing that polling be held in phases across the province. The decision followed a request from the provincial government to schedule voting after January 20, citing winter weather and administrative preparations. The commission had initially proposed December 14 for the elections. At a hearing, Punjab’s chief secretary said the provincial government had no objection to an election schedule but preferred polling after January 20. He told the commission that dense fog in December and January could disrupt transportation and other election activities, and that conditions generally improve later in winter. The chief secretary also said the administration needed two additional months to prepare and had arranged for school buildings to serve as polling stations. He said the government had supplied information on the appointment of returning officers and district returning officers, and that no administrative impediment remained to holding the elections. The commission said it had a constitutional and statutory duty to conduct local-government elections and...