Party-based LG elections in KP not possible: minister

Muhammad Irshad

PESHAWAR: Party-based LG elections in KP not possible: minister. Provincial government announces to challenge Peshawar High Court order to hold village and neighbourhood councils polls on party-basis in the Supreme Court. 

On Nov 3, Peshawar High Court (PHC) ordered the government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold the polls for village and neighbourhood councils in KP on party-basis.

In a statement issued here on Friday, Provincial Minister for Information Kamran Khan Bangash said three  general councilors each will be elected in village and neighbourhood councils, saying the issuance of party ticket to three candidates will create complication and confusion.

Furthermore, he said, the presence of three candidates belonging to each political party will also create confusion amongst the voters.

The provincial minister said the schedule of local government elections in KP had already been announced and the implementation of the verdict of Peshawar High Court would also required amendments in Local Government Act.

He said they respect the judiciary and believe in the supremacy of law. But the passage of amendments will take time due to which the holding of elections as per schedule will not be possible.

The minister said the provincial government has decided to utilize its legal right over the situation emerged in the wake of the decision of high court and will use its legal and constitutional right of appeal in the apex court of the country against party-based LG elections in KP.