ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the schedule for local government elections in Islamabad, setting December 20, 2026, as polling day.
According to the announced programme, the election process will begin with the issuance of a public notice on October 30. Candidates will be able to submit their nomination papers from November 2 to 6, while the list of nominated candidates will be published on November 7.
The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from November 9 to 13. Candidates will be able to file appeals against decisions of returning officers from November 14 to 18, with the appeals scheduled to be decided between November 19 and 23.
The final list of candidates will be published on November 25, followed by the allocation of election symbols on November 26.
Polling will take place across Islamabad on December 20, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The commission is scheduled to announce the election results between December 21 and 24.
The schedule follows the ECP’s decision to proceed with the local government elections under the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Act, 2015, after delays and changes to the legal framework disrupted previous election plans.
The commission has also made its prior approval mandatory for transfers and postings of government officials in Islamabad during the election process. It has directed the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct.
The local government elections are expected to provide residents of the federal capital an opportunity to elect representatives for local administration and community-level issues.
