ISLAMABAD: The Sindh government formally proposed to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday to hold local government elections for over 17,500 representatives in 29 districts of the province in three phases during October and November.

The proposal was presented by Sindh government officials, including the provincial chief secretary, at a meeting presided over by Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza. The meeting was held to review arrangements for the elections in the province.

It may be recalled that the Punjab government has already sought a delay in the polls because of the flood situation in the province.

Know more: ECP directs lawmakers to file statements of assets

A spokesman for the ECP, Iftikhar Raja, told journalists that the Sindh government had proposed that polling in the first phase should be held in the second week of October and in the second and third phases in the following month. The officials of the provincial government said they needed the extension because of floods and the Haj season in September.

The elections in the province are scheduled to be held on Sept 20 in accordance with Supreme Court’s directives.

The spokesman said the Sindh government had already approached the Supreme Court and the ECP would also do the same.

The Sindh government officials informed the ECP that deficiencies in the local government law were expected to be removed during the forthcoming session of the provincial assembly, scheduled to begin on Aug 7.

The spokesman said the ECP had been informed that if needed the laws could be amended through an ordinance.

The provincial authorities also submitted details of the seats in 1,136 union councils (UCs), nine municipal corporations, 37 municipal committees, 151 town committees, 24 district councils and one metropolitan corporation for which the elections will be held.

According to the plan, direct election will be held for 2,976 chairmen and vice chairmen of the UCs and municipal corporations.

Besides, there will be direct election for 8,954 seats of general councillors.

There will be 5,670 reserved seats for women, labourers and peasants and non-Muslims, which will be filled through indirect elections.

There will be 2,168 seats for women and 1,751 each for labourers or peasants and non-Muslims.

ASSETS STATEMENTS: Meanwhile, the ECP has drawn attention of the members of parliament and provincial assemblies to the requirement of submitting annual statements of their assets and liabilities and of their spouses and dependents by Sept 30.

The last date for the parties to filing their statements of accounts is Aug 29.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2015

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