EC Plans National Elections in December, Local Polls Possible

During a press briefing following a meeting with envoys and representatives from 18 development partner countries and agencies, including the UNDP, he confirmed that the EC is currently focused on the national polls. "However, if the government wishes, we can organize local government elections before the national elections," he said.

UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller also attended the briefing.

In response to questions, Abul Fazal noted that the Chief Adviser had stated in his December 16 speech that the elections could take place by December 2025 with minimal reforms and political consensus, or, if further reforms are needed, by June 2026. "We are preparing for the earliest possible date, and our position remains unchanged," he stated.

Regarding the possibility of holding both national and local government elections simultaneously, Abul Fazal clarified that it would not be feasible. Based on past experience, holding all local government elections step by step typically takes a year, and attempting to conduct both elections together would delay the national elections.

"The national election is now the EC's priority," he emphasized. He also confirmed that if the government decides to proceed with local government elections before the national polls, the EC will implement that decision. "It is up to the government to determine the scope and schedule of local government elections," he said.

The meeting was attended by representatives from countries including the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and others.