The Sindh by-elections for local council seats are set to be held on May 17, 2026, across multiple districts after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) finalized all arrangements. The polls will decide the fate of 19 vacant seats in 9 districts of Sindh, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Originally, by-elections were planned for 63 vacant local government seats across 18 districts. However, the number of contested seats has significantly reduced. According to election authorities, 40 candidates have already been elected unopposed, while no nomination papers were submitted for four seats. As a result, voting will now be held only on the remaining 19 seats.
The ECP has stated that preparations for the polls have been completed, including training sessions for polling staff and the deployment of monitoring teams. These teams will oversee the electoral process to ensure transparency and compliance with election rules.
Election preparations completed across districts
Election officials confirmed that all logistical arrangements are in place for the upcoming Sindh by-elections. Polling staff have received formal training to manage polling stations and handle election-day procedures efficiently.
Monitoring teams from the ECP will be stationed in all relevant constituencies. Their role will include supervising polling activities and reporting any irregularities. Officials said the objective is to ensure a peaceful and transparent voting process.
Sindh Election Commissioner Ijaz Anwar Chauhan has issued strict instructions to deputy commissioners, district returning officers, and returning officers. He emphasized the use of all available administrative resources to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections.
He also directed officials to strictly implement the election code of conduct. This includes maintaining order at polling stations and ensuring equal treatment of all candidates.
Reduced the number of contested seats
The number of contested seats has dropped sharply due to many unopposed victories. Election officials said this reflects both political adjustments at the local level and uncontested outcomes in several constituencies.
With only 19 seats now going to vote, attention will be focused on voter turnout and the smooth conduct of polling activities. Authorities have assured that security arrangements will also be in place to prevent any disruptions.
The upcoming by-elections are expected to fill key local government positions and restore administrative representation in affected areas. Citizens across the 9 districts will head to polling stations on May 17 to exercise their democratic right.
