Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission halts results in five constituencies amid re-polling process

CHILAS: The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan has taken a major decision to halt the announcement of election results across multiple constituencies, issuing a formal notification that final outcomes will remain suspended until re-polling is completed at selected polling stations.

According to the latest unofficial and unconfirmed results, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has emerged as the leading party with 10 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with four seats. Independent candidates, including those backed by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), have secured seven seats, while the Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) has won one seat.

Despite the emerging numbers pointing towards a possible coalition government between the PPP and PML-N, the Election Commission’s decision to order re-polling in key areas could still affect the final balance of power.

As per the notification issued by Provincial Election Commissioner Abid Raza, returning officers have been directed not to declare final results in the affected constituencies until fresh polling is conducted and its results are incorporated into the final count. The directive was issued on the instructions of the Chief Election Commissioner.

The decision applies to five constituencies, including all three seats in Diamer district, GBA-15, GBA-16 and GBA-17, as well as GBA-08 Skardu and GBA-13 Astore. The Election Commission said results from these constituencies will remain withheld until the re-polling process is completed.

Officials have also instructed returning officers to suspend the scrutiny and counting of postal ballots until further orders are issued. The commission said this step was necessary to ensure that all votes, including those cast in re-polling, are properly included before final results are compiled.

The notification clearly states that constituency-wise results will only be finalised after the completion of re-polling and the inclusion of its outcomes, ensuring accuracy and transparency in the electoral process.

The Election Commission has further warned that strict legal action will be taken against any violation of its directives. It emphasised that compliance with the instructions is mandatory for all concerned officials involved in the counting and compilation process.

The move comes amid heightened political sensitivity in Gilgit-Baltistan following closely contested elections and complaints regarding polling irregularities in several areas. Re-polling in selected stations is expected to play a decisive role in determining the final composition of the regional assembly, making the outcome of these constituencies highly significant.

Authorities have urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint as the electoral process moves toward completion after the scheduled re-polling.