G-B Elections: EC finalises arrangements as 958,000 voters head to poll across 24 constituencies

Preparations for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections have been completed, with polling staff reaching their designated polling stations ahead of voting day, according to the Election Commission. Polling is set to begin shortly 8am and continue uninterrupted until 5pm, allowing voters across the region to exercise their right to vote.

Polling will be held across all 24 constituencies of Gilgit-Baltistan, where a total of 958,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots. The Election Commission said all necessary arrangements have been finalised to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process.

A total of 1,389 polling stations and 2,450 polling booths have been established across the region for the elections. Of these, 1,268 booths have been designated for male voters, 1,112 for female voters, while 68 joint polling booths have also been set up.

The election will see 404 candidates contesting for 24 assembly seats. According to the Election Commission, the candidates include 396 men and eight women. A significant number of contenders, 266 candidates, are running as independents.

Election officials said polling staff have already been dispatched to their respective stations, while security and administrative arrangements have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.

The Gilgit-Baltistan elections are being closely watched as political parties and independent candidates compete for representation in the region’s legislative assembly, with the outcome expected to shape the political landscape of the territory for the next five years.