Gilgit-Baltistan: According to unofficial and preliminary results of the general elections to the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is leading and has won 10 out of 24 seats.
According to the election results, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) is in second place with six seats, while independent candidates have also achieved significant success in various constituencies. These independent candidates include two candidates who were supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Overall, independent candidates have been declared successful in seven seats, while Majlis-e-Wahdat Muslimeen has managed to win one seat.
According to sources, the polling process was completed peacefully on Sunday under tight security arrangements; however, inconclusive results continued to emerge from various constituencies during the counting of votes, which made the competition between political parties more interesting.
According to initial trends, the PPP has gained an advantage in Gilgit, Skardu, Nagar and some other important constituencies, while the PML-N has maintained its position in districts like Astore, Ghizer and Ghanche. On the other hand, a large number of independent candidates have made the electoral scenario more balanced by achieving significant success in Diamer and other sensitive constituencies.
The Election Commission has not yet announced the complete and final results; however, according to initial reports, a total of 396 candidates participated in this region, comprising 963,034 registered voters, most of whom were independent candidates. The number of female candidates remained relatively low, while the voter turnout in the election process is being described as encouraging overall.
The security situation during the elections remained under control overall, and additional security personnel were deployed at 551 polling stations declared sensitive. The district administration and law enforcement agencies did not report any major untoward incident.
Various reservations have also been raised by political parties on the results. PPP leaders have raised objections to the delay in the provision of Form 45 and the transfer of some polling stations, while the PML-N has expressed satisfaction with the performance of its candidates.
According to political observers, the initial results point to a mixed political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan politics rather than a clear majority, where independent candidates could play a significant role in the upcoming government formation. The final results and the political affiliation of independent members will be decisive in the formation of the next government.
