Islamabad: Election Commission (EC) while announcing to hold Local Bodies (LB) polls in Islamabad immediately has maintained assigning responsibility to Union Council (UC) Secretary to hold LB polls is in clash with law and constitution.

According to EC circular the term of local governments in Islamabad was completed on February 14, 2021. It is binding on federal government to hold polls within 120 days under article A-219 -140 of the constitution.

According to press release elections were postponed due to several reasons. EC conducted delimitation of constituency for five time and gave election schedule for 3 time. Correspondence was also made with the relevant institutions but LB polls could not take place.

EC held hearing of the case on November 13, 2025 for holding election. EC gave decision on November 17. 2025 for holding LB polls. Directive was issued to present election schedule forthwith.

It was maintained in the circular that assigning responsibility to secretary union council to hold LB polls in recent amendment in section 15(2) of Act-2015 is in clash with the law and constitution.

EC made it clear powers rest with commission for appointment of DROs, ROs and AROs under relevant clauses of Elections Act-2017 and Local Government Act -2015. EC can appoint its officers or officers and subordinate staff of judiciary and administration as Returning officers and election staff.

EC gave decision that secretary union council does not come upto the definition of government office. Secretary union council cannot be appointed as presiding officer. Election process will be held through these officers who are appointed by election commission through notification.