The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has turned down a petition filed by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti seeking a postponement of the upcoming local government elections in Quetta. The polls, scheduled for December 28, will now take place as planned, despite the provincial government’s concerns over law and order and internet disruptions.
ECP Says Plea Lacks Merit, Orders Polls to Proceed
Bugti submitted the petition earlier in the week, arguing that the deteriorating security situation in Quetta and the suspension of internet services made it unsuitable to hold elections on the scheduled date. However, according to the ECP’s written order, the request was rejected for “being devoid of force.”
The commission confirmed that the electoral process will continue without delay and instructed the Balochistan government to fully assist all officials responsible for conducting the polls. The ECP also emphasised the need for “foolproof security arrangements”, ensuring the safety of voters, candidates, polling staff and the general public.
The order further noted that the chief minister had formally appealed on December 8, asking for a new election schedule at a time when weather conditions, security, administrative readiness, constituency demarcation and voter roll accuracy were guaranteed. The ECP reviewed these concerns the following day but found no justification for altering the polling date.
Commission Addresses Demarcation Concerns, Cites Court Ruling
Responding to claims about irregularities in constituency boundaries, the ECP clarified that the delimitation process was completed in full compliance with the law. This included publishing a preliminary list of constituencies, inviting objections, holding hearings, and finalising boundaries after addressing all representations.
The commission also highlighted an earlier verdict of the Balochistan High Court (BHC), which dismissed petitions challenging delimitation on October 10 and directed the ECP to hold local government elections “as soon as possible.”
With the ECP’s ruling now final, the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation elections will take place on December 28 as originally scheduled, with heightened security measures in place to ensure smooth voting.
