Gilgit-Baltistan general elections see strong turnout as polling ends peacefully
Thousands of voters participated across the region as political parties awaited the results.
The elections were held after a delay of four months due to severe winter conditions in the mountainous region. Voting started at 8am and continued smoothly until polling stations closed at 5pm.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly consists of 33 seats in total. Among them, 24 seats are filled through direct elections, while six are reserved for women and three for technocrats and professionals.
A total of 396 candidates competed in the elections. Of these, 266 candidates contested as independents, highlighting the strong presence of non-party contenders.
Only eight women entered the electoral race. Five of them contested independently, reflecting limited female participation in this year’s polls.
The region’s voter list included 963,034 registered voters. This number comprised 566,097 men and 396,937 women across Gilgit-Baltistan’s 10 districts.
Election day remained largely calm, and no incidents of violence were reported. Security arrangements were maintained throughout the region to ensure a smooth voting process.
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However, the PPP raised concerns about a polling station in the Bunji area of Astore-II. The party claimed the Balachi polling station was shifted overnight from a roadside location to the top of a hill.
According to the PPP, the polling station had 206 registered voters. The party argued that the area’s residents are known supporters of the PPP and alleged that the move could affect voter participation.
“This decision appears to be an attempt to affect the PPP’s vote bank and discourage voters from participating in the polling process,” it alleged. The party also claimed that local residents blocked the Gilgit-Skardu Road in protest.
Meanwhile, the PML-N shared videos showing supporters gathered at its election camps in Gilgit and Skardu. The party also posted videos on X claiming that camps set up by rival parties were “deserted”.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan visited several polling stations to review the electoral process. He examined voter facilities, security measures and arrangements at different locations.
Speaking to PTV News, Khan said security arrangements were satisfactory at the polling stations he visited. He also noted that women participated in significant numbers, showing growing awareness about democratic rights.
The chief election commissioner added that political parties took part in the election process peacefully. He praised the overall atmosphere and said polling activities remained orderly.
PTI, which won the previous Gilgit-Baltistan elections in 2020, contested this election without its electoral symbol. As a result, its candidates entered the race as independents.
Following a strategy similar to the 2024 national elections, PTI formed an alliance with Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen. According to the alliance’s social media information, the two groups jointly backed 22 candidates, with MWM nominees contesting under the “tent” symbol.
The peaceful completion of polling is a positive sign for Gilgit-Baltistan’s democratic process. Strong voter participation, especially among women, may play a key role in shaping the region’s political future.
At the same time, allegations raised during polling show that political tensions remain present. The final results will reveal whether party alliances or independent candidates gain the strongest position in the new assembly.
