The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued the schedule for local government by-elections on 81 vacant general council seats across 20 districts of Balochistan, with polling set to take place on August 9, 2026.
According to an official notification, the by-elections will be conducted in the districts of Pishin/Barshore, Chagai, Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Dukki, Musakhail, Sibi, Harnai, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Usta Muhammad, Kachhi, Jhal Magsi, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Hub, Kech and Gwadar.
The Election Commission stated that Returning Officers will issue public notices on June 30, 2026, formally commencing the electoral process.
Candidates will be able to submit nomination papers from July 1 to July 3, while scrutiny of nomination papers will be carried out between July 6 and July 8. The initial list of candidates is scheduled to be published on July 9.
According to the election schedule, appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers may be filed before the appellate authority from July 10 to July 13. The appellate authority will decide all appeals by July 16.
Following the completion of the appeals process, a revised list of candidates will be issued on July 17. Candidates wishing to withdraw from the contest may do so by July 18.
The Election Commission will publish the final list of candidates and allot election symbols on July 20, 2026.
Polling for the vacant local council seats will be held on August 9, with election authorities making preparations to ensure a transparent, fair and smooth electoral process across all participating districts.
The ECP emphasized that the by-elections are being conducted to fill vacant seats in local councils and maintain effective representation at the grassroots level across Balochistan.
While the broader Balochistan local government elections originally took place in 32 districts back in May 2022, voting in the provincial capital of Quetta faced multi-year delays due to intense legal disputes over ward delimitations. Following a definitive ruling by the Balochistan High Court, the ECP finally conducted the long-awaited Quetta metropolitan and local council elections on December 28, 2025.
