The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected the request by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to postpone the delimitation process for local government elections in 24 districts.
The provincial government had sought a 180-day delay. It cited several reasons, including plans to amend the Local Government Act, 2013, bad weather, and law and order challenges in certain districts. The KP chief secretary had also written to the ECP requesting the postponement.
However, sources said the ECP stressed that it is bound by the Constitution and the Elections Act, 2013 to carry out delimitation and elections under existing laws. Consultation with the provincial government is not required for this exercise.
The electoral body clarified that the provincial government can propose legislative changes, but the ECP cannot halt delimitation simply because amendments are being considered. Officials said the ECP has been advising KP since 2024 to complete any amendments in time to avoid disruption.
The preliminary delimitation for 23 districts has already been completed. The lists were published on March 5, 2026. The ECP has begun receiving objections to ensure the process moves forward smoothly.
Authorities said that challenges such as weather, transport issues, or law and order do not affect delimitation. The exercise relies mainly on population data, not updated electoral rolls.
The KP government has been asked to provide information on newly carved districts and changed revenue boundaries. This includes details on the number of tehsil councils, village councils, and neighborhood councils. Once this information is received, the ECP can finalise demarcation schedules for those areas.
