Preparations for Quetta Local government elections are moving forward in the provincial capital. Election authorities have confirmed that polling will take place on December 28. The process is part of efforts to strengthen grassroots governance in Balochistan.
According to the Provincial Election Commission, elections will be held across 641 wards. These wards fall under 172 union councils in Quetta. The scale of the exercise makes it one of the largest local polls in the province in recent years.
Officials said that nomination papers from 2,870 candidates were submitted for the elections. After scrutiny, all Returning Officers declared these papers valid. However, the Election Commission of Pakistan later confirmed that 329 candidates withdrew their nominations.
After withdrawals, a total of 2,541 candidates remain in the race. These candidates will contest for various local government positions. Election officials said competition is expected to be strong in many wards.
An ECP spokesperson also shared that no nomination papers were submitted in 18 wards. As a result, elections will not take place in those wards. Authorities did not provide reasons for the lack of candidates but said the situation is being reviewed.
The Quetta Local elections will be held in different zones of the city. In Zarghoon, polling will take place in 46 union councils and 161 wards. In Lyari, also known as Lytton or Letan, elections will be conducted in 46 union councils and 173 wards.
Similarly, Sariab will see elections in 38 union councils and 145 wards. In Takatu, voters will cast their ballots in 42 union councils and 142 wards. Election staff are being deployed to ensure smooth polling in all areas.
Officials said security plans are being finalized. Coordination is underway with law enforcement agencies. The goal is to maintain peace and ensure voter safety on election day.
The Election Commission has urged voters to participate actively. Officials believe strong voter turnout will improve local representation. The Quetta Local polls are seen as an important step toward addressing community issues at the grassroots level.
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Authorities said polling materials will be distributed on time. Training sessions for election staff are also ongoing. With preparations in full swing, Quetta is gearing up for a key democratic exercise later this month.
