ECP postpones Punjab by-polls due to flooding

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday announced the postponement of all scheduled by-elections in Punjab, citing the devastating impact of floods across the province.

In a statement, the ECP said polling in several constituencies, including NA-129, NA-66, NA-96, NA-104, NA-143, PP-73, PP-87, PP-98 and PP-203, had been deferred. The commission noted that the elections would be rescheduled once conditions returned to normal.

According to the ECP, floodwaters have severely damaged roads, bridges, railway tracks and power infrastructure, making it impossible to hold elections in a safe and transparent manner. Official and private buildings, including schools and polling stations, were also reported to be affected, while some record-keeping facilities of the commission were inundated.

The statement further highlighted that the availability of polling staff could not be ensured as civil administration, law enforcement agencies and other departments were engaged in large-scale rescue and relief operations. District returning officers also informed the commission that staff and security arrangements could not be guaranteed.

The ECP warned that voters in flood-hit areas might be deprived of their right to cast ballots under the current circumstances.

“The by-elections will be held once the situation normalises and arrangements can be made,” the commission said.