ECP Consults Ministry of Defense to Finalize Cantonment Board Elections
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, held a high-level meeting with the Director General of Military Lands and Cantt and the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defense to discuss upcoming local government elections across 42 cantonment boards.
-
Constitutional Mandate: CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja highlighted the importance of local governments, emphasizing that under Article 140A of the Constitution, holding local body elections is the ECP’s responsibility, conducted in accordance with laws established by provincial governments.
-
Timeline and Expiry: The last cantonment elections were held on September 12, 2021. With a four-year tenure starting from the date members take oath, the term of the final cantonment board (Kamra) concluded on April 11, 2026. Delimitation of wards for all 42 boards was initiated earlier, with final lists published on April 20, 2026.
-
Legal Framework: Under Section 219(4) of the Elections Act 2017, the ECP is mandated to hold elections within 120 days of the expiry of a local government’s term—making it necessary to conduct the polls by August 8, 2026. Furthermore, Section 219(3) and the Cantonments Act 1924 require prior consultation with and a formal written request from the federal government before announcing the election schedule.
-
Full Cooperation: The Ministry of Defense officials assured the ECP of complete cooperation to ensure timely legal formalities, federal consultations, and the smooth execution of the electoral schedule.
