ECP freezes development funds of LG institutions till announcement of election results

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday issued a notification directing the immediate freezing of all development funds allocated to local government institutions until the results of the February 8 polls are officially announced.

In the notification, the electoral watchdog underscored the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent local government institutions and cantonment boards from engaging in activities that could unduly influence the election results.

The commission emphasized the need to establish a level playing field for political parties and candidates participating in the upcoming elections.

As part of these measures, the ECP directed local government functionaries across the provinces, including cantonments, to focus on essential day-to-day tasks related to sanitation and cleanliness, crucial for the smooth functioning of local governments.

However, the commission explicitly prohibited the announcement or execution of any new development schemes, with the exception of those approved before the election schedule was announced on December 15.

Furthermore, the ECP instructed local governments and cantonment boards to refrain from issuing tenders for new schemes until after the conclusion of the general elections, and all such proposals were required to obtain prior approval from the commission.

This directive aims to maintain a neutral and unbiased environment during the electoral process, ensuring that developmental initiatives do not unduly influence the electoral landscape.