Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's amendment to Local Government Act and termed these amendments contrary to the law, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.
In a letter to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary, Chief Election Commissioner said that under the new amendment, the population of the village council will be 30,000 to 40,000.
This amendment to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local government election law is inconsistent with the Constitution. Under the Constitution, the powers of the Election Commission cannot be curtailed.
The letter said that delimitation of constituencies falls entirely within the jurisdiction of the Election Commission.
Chief Election Commissioner maintained that delimitation of village councils has become impossible due to the new limitations. Chief Election Commissioner said amendment will delay elections as current number of councils has created legal ambiguity.
The first term of local governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa concluded in March 2026, while the second term ended in June 2026, said Election Commission sources.
According to the statutory schedule, the first phase of local government elections was due to be held in July 2026, and the second phase in October 2026. The Election Commission of Pakistan is continuing the process of delimitation for holding the local government elections.
However, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has once again amended the Local Government Act. The new legal amendments have created difficulties for the preparation and timely conduct of the local government elections.