Election Commission Releases Proposed Schedule for Local Government Elections in Punjab; Polling Proposed for December 14, 2026
LAHORE: The preparations towards grassroots democracy in Punjab has accelerated with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) having announced the proposed electoral program for local government elections in the province.
The draft timeline suggests that the local body elections in Punjab are planned to take place from 15th December 2026 to 15th January 2027, with formal polling scheduled for 14th December 2026. The ECP have referred the proposed timetable to the Chief Secretary Punjab for final inputs and recommendations.
Here are some of the key milestones in the proposed electoral schedule:
Public Notices to be Issued: Returning Officers (ROs) will issue official public notices on 23rd October 2026.
Nomination Papers: Candidates will be able to submit their nomination papers between October 27 and October 30, 2026.
Scrutiny Phase: The initial list of candidates will be published on 31st October 2026 followed by scrutiny of nomination papers from 2nd November to 5th November 2026.
Appeals against nominations papers will be heard from 7th November to 11th November 2026, and the result of the appeal will be given by 16th November 2026.Appeals against decisions on nominations papers will be heard between 7th November and 11th November 2026, with appeal decisions issued by 16th November 2026. Papers can be withdrawn till Nov 18, 2026 and Electoral Symbols and Final lists of candidates will be allotted on Nov 20, 2026.
Polling and Final Results: December 14, 2026 is proposed for polling, and December 17, 2026, is proposed for the Returning Officers to announce the official final results.