FCC puts hold on Quetta LG elections amid census, delimitation dispute
Petition in Federal Constitutional Court argues elections must follow 2023 census-based delimitations: Poll delay adds to uncertainty as government cites financial constraints
A three-member bench of the Federal Constitutional Court, headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin, on Wednesday issued a stay order on local government elections in Quetta, putting the scheduled polls on hold.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner argued that electoral delimitations in Quetta had been carried out under the 2017 census, while the 2023 census had since been officially notified.
He contended that local government elections should therefore be conducted on the basis of fresh delimitations in line with the latest census data.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the constitutional court issued notices to the concerned parties and adjourned the proceedings for an indefinite period.
The development comes amid growing uncertainty over the holding of local government elections in Quetta. On December 17, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported that parties in the Balochistan government are reportedly not in favour of holding local government elections in Quetta District.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had set December 28 as the date for elections for the District Council Quetta and Quetta Metropolitan Corporation (QMC).
However, the Balochistan government had earlier requested the commission to postpone the polls, a plea that was rejected twice.
Following the ECP’s decision, government parties have now reportedly submitted a similar request to the Governor of Balochistan, citing financial concerns.
Sources said the parties argued that only eight to nine months remain in the term of local government bodies in other districts, making the expenditure for holding elections in Quetta unjustified.
Former QMC councillor Aslam Rind criticised the government’s approach, saying, “The government is not serious about holding the elections of the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation. Due to this lack of seriousness, the election campaign could not gain momentum.”
The ECP and the provincial government are yet to issue an official response to the latest request for postponement.
Reporter: Amanat Gishkori