LG polls in Karachi, Hyderabad to be held on Jan 15: ECP

Karachi: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced on Friday that local government (LG) elections in Karachi and Hyderabad would be held on January 15, rejecting Sindh government’s request to postpone polls.

According to the details, the decision was taken by the ECP members during a crucial meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja.

The session was called today to discuss the postponement of LG polls and rejected the announcement made by Sindh government. 

The chief election commissioner, special secretary, and other members attended the session.

The electoral body directed authorities to hold the much-awaited election on January 15— as slated. 

The Sindh government in a late-night announcement postponed the LG polls in Karachi, Hyderabad and Dadu. It was the fourth time that the polls were delayed by the provincial government.  

According to the announcement by Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, elections in seven districts including Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal and Jamshoro would go ahead as planned on January 15.

"However, the local government elections will not be held in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Dadu," added Sharjeel Inam Memon.

The minister also announced that the notification to hold the polls on the basis of the existing delimitation had also been withdrawn on the demand of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)--their coalition partner, who has reservations over it.