The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was informed on Tuesday that 15,000 personnel will be deployed for the upcoming local government (LG) polls in Islamabad Capital Territory, while 3,505 candidates have filed nominations, including 110 women. A special meeting of the ECP was held at the Election Commission Secretariat, which reviewed the arrangements for holding local government elections across the federal capital.
Polling has been fixed for December 20 to ensure democratic participation at the grassroots level. The SSP Operations briefed the meeting that 15,000 personnel would be deployed to maintain law and order, with any additional required manpower to be requested from Punjab to guarantee a secure environment.
The ECP directed the local administration and police high-ups to submit comprehensive security and transportation plans well before the polling day to avoid any administrative lapses. It was reported during the briefing that the first phase, which involved the submission of nomination papers, has been successfully completed, with 3,505 candidates, including 110 women, officially filing their papers.
The rigorous scrutiny of these nomination papers is set to begin on November 11, during which the credentials and eligibility of all participating candidates will be thoroughly examined by returning officers. The Chief Election Commissioner issued strict instructions to the provincial and local authorities to ensure effective security arrangements and complete neutrality during the entire electoral process.
Political parties and independent candidates have already intensified their campaigns across various union councils, engaging with voters to outline their manifestos and local development agendas. The ECP reiterated its commitment to holding free, fair, and transparent local government elections in Islamabad, urging all stakeholders to fully cooperate with the election machinery.
Further reviews and coordination meetings are scheduled in the coming weeks to monitor the progress of election preparations and finalize logistics for the polling stations.