GILGIT: The PPP is all set to form a government in Gilgit-Baltistan after it gained 11 out of 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, according to unofficial results (Forms-47) of the June 7 elections.
As per Forms-47 issued by returning officers from 24 constituencies, the PPP bagged 11 seats, with the PML-N trailing with six seats. The candidates backed by the PTI won two seats, and its ally MWM was victorious in one seat. The independent candidates secured four seats.
In a post on X in the early hours of Monday, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari declared victory, saying the PPP had become the “single largest party” in the region.
“The Pakistan Peoples Party is emerging as the single largest party and we will be attempting to form government. I am grateful to the people for their trust and congratulations to Jiyalas on their victory,” said Bhutto-Zardari, whose party had alleged rigging during the polling.
Recount ordered
On Monday, the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan ordered a recount in two constituencies and re-polling in a few polling stations in GBA-16, Diamer.
The recount order came after independent candidate Safdar Ali Shirazi and PPP candidate Nazir Ahmed Advocate formally requested a recount of votes in GBA-20 (Ghizer-II), alleging irregularities during the counting process.
Acting on the request, the returning officer ordered a recount, which is scheduled to take place today. The commission also ordered a recount in GBA-3, Gilgit.
The Election Commission also ordered a re-poll at three polling stations in GBA-16 (Diamer-II).
Victorious candidates
PPP regional president Amjad Hussain won from GBA-1 (Gilgit), while former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman of PML-N won from GBA-2 (Gilgit). PTI-backed independent Sohail Abbas won from GBA-3 (Gilgit).
In Hunza, PTI-backed independent Naik Nam Karim won from GBA-6. In Nagar, Muhammad Ali Akhtar of PPP won from GBA-4 and Zulfiqar Ali Murad of PPP won from GBA-5.
In Skardu, Syed Tauqeer Mehdi of PPP won from GBA-7, Fida Muhammad Nashad of PPP from GBA-9, Nasir Ali Khan of PPP from GBA-10, and Mohammad Kazim Mesum of MWM from GBA-8.
In Kharmang district, Iqbal Hassan of PPP won from GBA-11. In Shigar district, Imran Nadeem of PPP won from GBA-12. In Astore district, Rana Farman Ali and Rana Muhammad Farooq won from GBA-13 and GBA-14, respectively.
In Diamer, Kifayatur Rehman of PML-N won from GBA-18, independent candidate Dilpazir Khan won from GBA-15, Ataullah of PPP from GBA-16, and Mohammad Naseem of PPP from GBA-17. In Ghizer, Syed Jalal of PPP won from GBA-19, Abdul Jahan of PML-N won from GBA-20, and independent candidate Aman Ali won from GBA-21 (Yasin).
GILGIT: The people of Gilgit-Baltistan will vote in the general elections for the GB Legislative Assembly on Sunday after the polls were delayed by four months due to harsh winter weather.
The PPP and other political parties have staged a series of rallies across the region and ramped up efforts to garner support ahead of the polls.
All arrangements have been finalised, with elections to be contested in 24 constituencies. According to the GB Election Commission, there are 958,480 registered voters in the region, including 503,772 male and 454,708 female voters.
A total of 396 candidates are contesting the elections, with 266 running as independents. Only eight women are contesting the elections, five of them as independent candidates.
Meanwhile, 23 candidates from the PPP are contesting the elections, while the PML-N has fielded 22 candidates. Both parties have nominated one female candidate each. Additionally, 15 candidates from the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) and 10 from the PTI are in the fray.
Moreover, 10 candidates are contesting on the tickets of the Pakistan Nazaryati Party, while nine belong to the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), seven to the Majlis-i-Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), and six each to the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). Four candidates are representing the Awami Workers Party (AWP), while one candidate each from the Awami National Party (ANP), Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and the PML-Q is also in the race
The polling will run from 8am to 5pm on Sunday.
GB Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan has issued a notification delegating the powers of a first-class magistrate to all district returning officers and returning officers to ensure the peaceful, transparent and lawful conduct of the elections.
According to the notification, Khan said that the strict implementation of election laws, adherence to the election code of conduct and transparency in the electoral process would be ensured at all costs so that free, fair and impartial elections could be held while upholding the trust of the people.
In a statement, GB Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ghulam Abbas appealed to the people to actively participate in the electoral process and exercise their right to vote, saying that the vote is the voice of every citizen, the foundation of the democratic system and a national duty.
He said that elections are an important pillar of any democratic society and that active participation of the people is key to strengthening democratic traditions.
The caretaker minister added that the people of GB have always shown maturity and responsibility in national affairs, and expressed hope that they would turn up at polling stations in large numbers on election day.
He emphasised that every vote matters and plays a key role in the development, prosperity and future of the region. He urged the people to rise above any pressure, fear or bias and exercise their vote according to their free will.
Abbas further said that all relevant institutions were fulfilling their responsibilities to ensure peaceful, transparent and fair elections, urging the people to abide by the election code of conduct, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and play their positive role in making the democratic process successful.
He said that for a strong, stable and developed Gilgit-Baltistan, it was essential that every eligible voter exercise their right to vote and contribute to the further strengthening of the democratic process.
GILGIT-BALTISTAN: Protests blocking the Karakoram Highway in Diamer and other areas continued for a third day against the repolling and delay in the announcement of official results in various constituencies.
Yesterday, the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission ordered re-polling on polling stations in Skardu-II (GBA-8), Astore-I (GBA-13), Diamer-I (GBA-15), Diamer-II (GBA-16) and Diamer-III (GBA-17) and directed that the results of the June 7 election must not be consolidated until re-polling in five constituencies is completed.
Supporters of PPP candidate Attaullah from GBA-16 Diamer-II staged a protest outside the district returning officer’s office in Chilas, blocking the Karakoram Highway and demanding the counting of postal ballots and the announcement of the constituency’s final result without delay, as well as the cancellation of re-polling at three polling stations.
The Karakoram Highway has remained closed to all traffic for the third day. Travellers between Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country faced difficulties and used Babusar Road and other alternative routes. However, on Wednesday, protesters temporarily reopened the highway for two hours to allow stranded passengers to pass.
Protesters said the protest would continue until the official results were issued “transparently”.
Speaking to the media, PPP candidate Attaullah said polling was held on June 7 in the presence of all agents and that Form 45 was issued.
“Form 47 was also prepared on the basis of Form 45; now only the counting of postal ballots remains,” he said.
He said that ordering re-polling by delaying the counting of postal ballots was “unacceptable” under any circumstances.
Attaullah alleged that an attempt was being made to snatch the public mandate in GBA-16 Diamer-II.
According to Form 47, independent candidate Imam Malik’s votes were shown to be 24 more than those of the PPP candidate. However, according to official figures, Imam Malik has 180 postal votes while Attaullah of the PPP has 473 postal votes.
The protesters claimed that, according to the clear record of Form 48, Attaullah had won the election by 269 votes.
They said the Election Commission had withheld Form 48 and issued a notification for repolling at three polling stations in the constituency.
They said the Commission’s decision for repolling was a “complete excess and robbery” of the public mandate.
The protesters also staged demonstrations outside the Election Commission’s secretariat in Gilgit, blocking Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam and demanding the announcement of GBA-16 results after the counting of postal ballots, without conducting re-polling at three stations.
Likewise, the PPP candidate for GBA-20 Ghizer-II also protested against the returning officer’s decision to announce the final result without conducting a recount.
Addressing supporters, PPP candidate and Speaker of the GB Assembly Nazir Ahmed Advocate alleged that election authorities had announced the official results without conducting a recount, despite the commission’s order.
He claimed that officials changed their position after deciding not to implement the recount order issued by the commission.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission withdrew its earlier notification ordering a re-poll at 10 polling stations in constituency GBA-08 Skardu-II.
According to a notification issued on June 10, the commission reviewed a fact-finding report submitted by the district returning officer, Skardu, following objections raised over the basis of the re-poll order issued on June 8.
The report concluded that polling at the concerned stations was conducted “peacefully and in accordance with the law, with no evidence of violence, intimidation, polling station capture, tampering of election material or any other irregularity” that could have materially affected the transparency, fairness or result of the poll.
The commission stated that the allegations supporting the request for a re-poll remained unsubstantiated and that the legal conditions required under Section 9 of the Elections Act, 2017, for ordering a re-poll had not been met.
The commission therefore withdrew the June 8 notification directing a re-poll and instructed the returning officer for GBA-08 Skardu-II to proceed with the remaining election process, including the consolidation of results, in accordance with the law.
Following the commission’s order, the returning officer for GBA-08 declared Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen’s (MWM) candidate, Kazim Mesum, the winner.
In another development, the commission ordered an investigation into polling irregularities and alleged corrupt and illegal practices in constituency GBA-09 Skardu-III.
An order issued by the commission to the returning officer GBA-9 said, “Application submitted by Wazir Muhammad Saleem be sent to the DRO, Skardu, for inquiry and report; whether the allegations levelled in the applications are correct? In the meantime, Form-48 will remain suspended till completion of the inquiry.”
“In view of the above directions of the Chief Election Commissioner, Gilgit-Baltistan, you are requested to examine the allegations raised in the applications and ascertain whether the polling process was obstructed, interrupted, suspended, prematurely terminated, or captured by any person or group of persons; whether it was affected by violence, disorder or unlawful interference; whether any ballot box, ballot papers or election material were snatched, stolen, tampered with or unlawfully removed; and whether polling staff or polling agents were prevented from performing their lawful functions, which may have materially affected the transparency, fairness or result of the poll,” the order read.
It urged the district returning officer (DRO) to provide clear findings and recommendations on an immediate basis for submission.
It is taking time to finalise the results of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, but the final notification will be issued within 14 days as required by law, the region’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan said on Thursday.
A press release issued by GB’s election commission said that the election phase in the region had ended “peacefully” and work was underway to finalise the results.
“It is taking time to collect and finalise the results from remote areas; however, the final notification will be issued within 14 days as per the law,” the CEC said, referring to Section 98 of the Election Act.
Meanwhile, nine petitions regarding the elections are in the process of being heard by the commission.
“So far, three petitions have been heard, while the hearing of the other petitions will be held on Friday,” the statement said, adding that this phase would be completed “soon”.
According to the press release, Form 49 — for final official results — has been issued for the constituencies of GBA-6 Hunza, GBA-11 Kharmang, GBA-23 Ghanche II and GBA 23 Ghanche III. Re-polling orders have been issued in five others and work is underway to finalise the election results in the remaining constituencies, Khan said.
Meanwhile, the PPP and PML-N leadership were unable to agree on the formation of the GB government.
The PPP is all set to form a government in the region after it gained 11 out of 24 seats in the GB Legislative Assembly, according to the unofficial results (Form-47) of the June 7 elections.
Earlier, key leaders of the PPP and PML-N, which secured six seats, met in Gilgit to hold detailed deliberations on proposals related to the formation of the upcoming GB government.
In its statement, the PPP claimed a “major breakthrough” in the process, saying that the parties decided to present the proposals for the government’s formation to their respective central leadership.
It said the discussions also pertained to political cooperation, along with various national and domestic issues.
The PPP delegation asserted that the people of GB had given it the mandate by “making it the largest party”, its statement said.
The party leaders stated that all decisions on government formation would be made keeping in view democratic principles, political consultations and public interests.
Meanwhile, the PML-N statement said that “several proposals came under consideration and it was agreed to move forward with the consultation process”.
It noted that the future course of action would be determined after the proposals were reviewed and both parties’ central leadership was taken into confidence.
PPP Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon and Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah were part of the PPP delegation. The main contender for the chief minister’s slot from the PPP — its GB chapter president Advocate Amjad Hussain — was also present.
The PML-N side included Minister for Kashmir Affairs and GB Amir Muqam, and its GB President Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, also a former chief minister.
As per Forms 47 issued by returning officers from 24 constituencies, the PPP bagged 11 seats in the elections, with the PML-N trailing with six seats. PTI-backed candidates won two seats, while its ally Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) won one seat. Independent candidates secured four seats.
The consolidation of the results was barred until re-polling at certain polling stations in five constituencies is complete — GBA-8 Skardu-II, GBA-13 Astore-I, GBA-15 Diamer-I, GBA-16 Diamer-II and GBA-17 Diamer-III.
However, on Wednesday, the election commission withdrew its earlier notification ordering a re-poll at 10 polling stations in GBA-8 Skardu-II. Following the decision, the constituency’s returning officer issued Form 49 and declared MWM candidate Kazim Mesum the winner of the seat.
Commission orders recount in GBA-09 Skardu-III
The commission has also ordered a recount of votes in constituency GBA-09 Skardu-III following an inquiry into allegations of polling irregularities, illegal practices and corrupt practices.
According to an official notification issued on June 11, the CEC accepted the recommendation contained in the inquiry report submitted by the district returning officer (DRO) and directed that a recount of votes be conducted in accordance with the Elections Act.
The recount will be carried out after due notice is given to all contesting candidates and their authorised election agents. The commission has also directed officials to carefully scrutinise ballot papers during the recount process to ensure the accuracy, transparency and proper determination of the votes cast.
Upon completion of the recount, the election result will be finalised and consolidated in accordance with the Elections Act, 2017, and the Elections Rules, 2017.
PPP candidate Fida Muhammad Nashad was declared the winner of the constituency in Form 47.
Supporters of PPP candidate Attaullah from GBA-16 Diamer-II continued their protest for a fourth consecutive day on Thursday outside the DRO’s office in Chilas, blocking the Karakoram Highway (KKH). They demanded the counting of postal ballots and the announcement of the constituency’s final results without delay, and opposed re-polling at three polling stations.
The protesters said they would continue their blockade of the KKH until the constituency’s official results were announced and Form 48 was issued.
GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission has directed that the results of the June 7 election must not be consolidated until re-polling in five constituencies is complete, it emerged on Tuesday.
In a circular to the returning officers concerned, dated June 8 and available with Dawn, the GB Election Commission noted that it had ordered re-polling at certain polling stations in their respective constituencies — Skardu-II (GBA-8), Astore-I (GBA-13), Diamer-I (GBA-15), Diamer-II (GBA-16), and Diamer-III (GBA-17).
The Election Commission observed that the “process of consolidation of results under the relevant provisions of the Elections Act, 2017 and Elections Rules, 2017 shall be completed only after inclusion of the results of the re-polled polling stations in the constituency-wise result”.
The commission told the ROs not to “open, scrutinise or count the postal ballots and not to finalise, consolidate, announce or issue the final result of your respective constituency until the completion of re-polling at the polling stations specified”.
In a statement, GB Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan said re-polling would be held at 26 polling stations in five constituencies on June 15.
According to the CEC, the polling stations included 10 in Skardu-II (GBA-8), one in Astore-I (GBA-13), one in Diamer-I (GBA-15), three in Diamer-II (GBA-16), and 11 in Diamer-III (GBA-17).
A day earlier, the GB Election Commission had ordered a recount in two other constituencies and some polling stations.
One recount order came after independent candidate Safdar Ali Shirazi and PPP candidate Nazir Ahmed Advocate formally requested a recount of votes in Ghizer-II (GBA-20), alleging irregularities during the counting process.
The recount was scheduled to take place today. The commission also ordered a recount in Gilgit-III (GBA-3).
So far, the PPP remains in the lead after it gained 11 out of 24 seats in the Legislative Assembly, according to unofficial results (Forms-47) of the June 7 elections.
Login
