LG system and politicians
Despite paying lip service to the concept of Local Governments, political parties are unwilling to share power with them at the provincial level. During the full term enjoyed by the PPP at the centre, Sindh and Balochistan, the party did not hold LG elections, nor did the PML-N in Punjab during the period. After 2013 polls, both parties once again tried to keep the LG system in abeyance on one pretext or another. It was only after an unrelenting pressure from the Supreme Court that they agreed to hold the elections. Now the elected bodies are demanding to be given the authority spelled out in the constitution. Hearing a petition related to the issue the Supreme Court has ordered the federal and provincial law officers and secretaries of LGs to appear in person to present reports on the transfer of powers to LGs.
There have been several reasons behind the reluctance. Despite tall claims about the popularity and mandate, the parties have failed to strike organisational roots in the country. They are therefore not sure what kind of local leadership would be thrown out during the polls. Again, the political parties suffer from factionalism and fear that it might become uncontrollable during the LG elections. The Chief Ministers are keen to keep development funds under their control, using them for high visibility projects which would fetch them votes in the next elections and for obliging cronies. They are therefore unwilling to share them with the LGs.
The chapter in the constitution dealing with provincial governments also recognises a third tier of governance called Local Government. Article 140-A clearly defines the scope of the LGs, maintaining that “Each Province shall, by law, establish a local government system and devolve political, administrative and financial responsibility and authority to the elected representatives of the local governments.” The elected LG leaders are agitating for their constitutional right. The provincial governments need to avoid unnecessary social commotion and hand over the powers that belong to the third tier of government.
