The local government system in Pakistan was introduced during President Ayub Khan’s regime as a "Basic Democracy" system. This system was dissolved by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, but reactivated by General Zia-ul-Haque. In 1979, local bodies' elections were held throughout the country. In Balochistan the elections for local bodies were held in 1979, 1983, 1987 and 1991 on non party basis. The local bodies in Balochistan were dissolved on 19^th December 1996. New elections are expected in 1997. Local government consists of the Local Government and Rural Development Department (LG&RDD) and local government bodies.