The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that elections for general seats of union councils will take place on 15 February 2026. The schedule follows the commission’s official timeline for nominations and candidate scrutiny.
According to the ECP issues statement, the submission of nomination papers will continue until 30 December 2025. The preliminary list of candidates is set to be published on 31 December. This will allow voters and parties to review the names of potential candidates.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will occur from 1 to 6 January 2026. Candidates or parties wishing to appeal against the acceptance or rejection of papers may do so between 7 and 10 January. Decisions on these appeals will be announced from 12 to 15 January.
Following the appeals, the revised list of candidates will be released on 16 January. Candidates who wish to withdraw their nomination papers must do so by 17 January. Election symbols will then be allotted on 19 January, the ECP issues schedule confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Federal Constitutional Court has issued notices to Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, the Election Commission, and other relevant parties. The court has requested written replies on the matter. The hearing has been deferred until the third week of January 2026, but the existing election schedule remains in place. The Balochistan High Court’s earlier decision has also been kept in abeyance.
During proceedings, Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan questioned the logic of holding elections that could potentially be declared invalid later. The court’s remarks have raised concerns among political observers, but the ECP maintains that its schedule is in line with legal and constitutional requirements.
The ECP issues timeline aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the upcoming union council elections. Authorities have emphasized that all parties must follow the announced deadlines to avoid legal complications.
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