The Draft Bill to amend the Local Authorities Elections Act, allowing the cancellation of nominations submitted for the 2023 Local Government Elections and calling for fresh nominations, has been gazetted.
This amendment, published on the orders of the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, will be presented to Parliament for approval at a later date.
As per the proposed changes, the nomination papers submitted for the Local Government Elections originally scheduled for March 9, 2023, will be deemed invalid. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for refunding deposits made by political parties or independent groups for their nominated candidates.
Once the bill is enacted, the Election Commission will announce a date for fresh nominations, which must be at least three months prior to the commencement of the amended act.
The bill aims to provide a legal framework for rescheduling the Local Government Elections, ensuring fairness and clarity in the process.
