ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has directed preparations for local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts where constituency delimitation has been completed, while 12 districts remain excluded under special emergency arrangements.
The decision follows the federal government’s imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule in the province on October 11, 2026.
The election commission issued its directions after reviewing the provincial government’s request to delay local government polls because of security concerns and the deployment of security personnel.
According to the commission’s October 28 decision, election preparations can continue in districts where the delimitation process has been completed.
However, the 12 districts covered by special emergency arrangements will remain outside the current election process.
The ECP has directed its relevant departments to prepare the election programme for eligible districts and submit it for approval.
The commission’s decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.
Senior election officials reviewed the legal and administrative situation before deciding how to proceed with the delayed local government polls.
The federal government introduced emergency arrangements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, citing security challenges and concerns about the provincial administration’s response to terrorism.
The measures also established a separate administrative structure for 12 districts.
The districts covered by these arrangements include Bannu, Mohmand, Orakzai, Lakki Marwat, North Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Lower South Waziristan and Upper South Waziristan.
The ECP has also directed officials to review constituency arrangements and reserved seats in several districts to facilitate the election process.
Local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have already experienced delays following the completion of the terms of existing local councils.
The first phase of local governments completed its tenure in March 2026, while the second phase ended in June.
Article 140-A of Pakistan’s Constitution requires provinces to establish local government systems and transfer political, administrative and financial responsibilities to elected representatives.
The Election Commission is responsible for organising local government elections under the constitutional framework.
The latest ECP directions indicate that the election process will move forward in districts meeting the required conditions, while areas covered by special emergency arrangements remain excluded.
The commission has yet to announce a final polling date for the eligible districts. Political parties and voters are expected to await further instructions regarding the election schedule.
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For official updates, citizens can visit the Election Commission of Pakistan’s website at https://www.ecp.gov.pk/.
