Pakistan’s election body rejected on Monday a request by the Balochistan chief minister to delay local government elections in Quetta, ordering that the vote be held as scheduled on Dec. 28.

In a written order, the Election Commission of Pakistan, or ECP, directed the provincial government to ensure comprehensive security and administrative arrangements for the conduct of the elections in the provincial capital.

The commission also invoked Article 220 of Pakistan’s Constitution, instructing all provincial authorities to extend full cooperation and assistance to the election body in the discharge of its constitutional duties.

The chief minister of Balochistan had formally submitted an application seeking postponement of the local government elections in Quetta.

The commission rejected the request and maintained that the polls would be held on the previously announced date.

The ECP further stated in its order that the responsibility for maintaining law and order and ensuring a smooth electoral process rests with the provincial administration.

However, the decision was not unanimous.

ECP Member Balochistan Shah Muhammad Jatoi appended a dissenting note, warning that severe weather conditions and the prevailing security situation in the province could adversely affect voter turnout.

He recommended that the elections be postponed until conditions improve to ensure broader public participation in the democratic process.

Despite the dissent, the majority decision of the Election Commission prevails, clearing the way for local government elections in Quetta to proceed on Dec. 28 as scheduled.