Christians Oppose New ‘Anti-Minority’ Poll Law in Punjab, Pakistan
Christian rights groups in Pakistan have filed a petition with the Lahore High Court challenging the new Punjab Local Government Act 2025. They argue the law undermines minority rights by replacing direct elections with party nominations for reserved seats.
“The right to elect one’s own representatives is fundamental to meaningful participation,” said Samson Salamat, chairman of Rwadari Tehreek (Movement for Religious Tolerance), one of the petitioners.
The law affects elections scheduled for late December for over 4,000 union councils, which are the smallest local government units representing neighborhoods and villages. While each council will have nine members elected by direct vote, four reserved seats will be filled by nominations rather than direct election. These reserved seats are designated for minorities, women, laborers or farmers, and youth.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
The petition, filed on November 5 by three Christian organizations, claims that the Punjab Local Government Act breaches constitutional guarantees of equality and voting rights for religious minorities.
Election System Changes
- Previously, minorities could directly elect their representatives.
- The new law replaces direct elections for reserved seats with party nominations.
- Reserved seats cover minorities, women, laborers or farmers, and youth.
The petitioners emphasize that direct participation in elections is crucial for minorities to have a meaningful voice in local governance.
Scheduled Local Elections
These local government elections will determine representatives for union councils, affecting governance at the community level across Punjab.
Author’s summary: Christian groups in Punjab challenge a new election law that replaces direct minority representation with party nominations, raising constitutional equality concerns.
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