ISLAMABAD, June 29: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar will announce the schedule for the next local government elections here on Thursday at the Election Commission of Pakistan Secretariat.

The announcement of the schedule will quash rumours about the delay in holding the local government polls.

Election Commission secretary Kanwar Mohammad Dilshad said the Chief Election Commissioner was fully empowered to announce the schedule.

“Announcement of the schedule is the prerogative of the chief election commissioner only,” Kanwar Dilshad told reporters.

He said the Election Commission would keep the general public aware of the necessary steps taken from time to time to hold the local government elections.

“The Election Commission will make all efforts to ensure free, fair and transparent elections and on directive of the Chief Election Commissioner, a comprehensive media campaign has been launched to educate the candidates,” Mr Dilshad said.—APP

Online adds: According to official sources, the local bodies elections have been rescheduled at the request of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League.

The sources said that under the new schedule to be announced on Thursday, nomination papers would be received on July 18, instead of July 8. The first phase of elections will be held on August 18, the second phase 15 days later and the third and final phase will be completed by the last week of September.