ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed December 14, 2026 as the polling date for local government elections in Punjab, according to sources.


The ECP has sent a letter to the Chief Secretary Punjab containing a draft election programme and proposed timelines for various electoral activities, sources said.


According to the proposed schedule, the public notice for filing nomination papers will be issued on October 23, 2026, while nomination papers will be received from October 27 to 30.


The notice containing details of received nomination papers will be published on October 31, followed by scrutiny of nomination papers from November 2 to 5.


The list of validly nominated candidates is proposed to be issued on November 6, while candidates will be able to file appeals against decisions from November 7 to 11.


The appellate authorities are scheduled to decide the appeals between November 12 and 16, after which a revised list of candidates will be issued on November 17.


According to the draft schedule, November 18 has been proposed as the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers. The final list of candidates following withdrawals will be published on November 19, while election symbols will be allotted on November 20.


The proposed programme covers elections for general seats of Union Councils, sources said.


The Election Commission has sought the Chief Secretary Punjab’s views and feedback on the proposed timeline at the earliest. Sources said the final local government election schedule will be issued after receiving and reviewing the feedback from the provincial government.