Gilgit-Baltistan local body polls postponed to Sept 27 due to Muharram

The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission has postponed the region's local body elections, originally scheduled for August 2, to September 27. The decision comes after several religious organizations requested that the polls not be held during Muharram and the Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA).

Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan announced the postponement on Monday, noting that the deadline for filing nomination papers, initially set for Monday, has been extended to August 10. Khan emphasized that the local government elections are a long-standing demand of the people and are crucial for resolving public issues at the local level.

The elections will be conducted on a party basis, with no independent candidates allowed. The minimum age requirement for candidates is 25 years. The commission affirmed its commitment to holding transparent, free, and fair elections in fulfillment of its constitutional and legal responsibilities.

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Today (Monday) was the last day for filing nomination papers; however, in view of Muharram, the scrutiny date for nomination papers has been extended to August 10, 2026.

During the press conference, Khan also addressed decisions on 14 election petitions filed after the recent legislative assembly elections, upholding the validity of Form 47. However, decisions on two constituencies, GBA-13 Astore-I and GBA-16 Diamer-II, were deferred until June 17. He also addressed attempts to cast doubt on social and national media platforms regarding the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, stating that all electoral matters were conducted according to law and regulations.

Khan further reported that final results (Form 49) for 16 out of 24 constituencies have been released, with the overall voter turnout around 70 percent, indicating public confidence in the democratic process. He added that repolling orders were issued for various polling stations in constituencies like GBA-8 Skardu-II and GBA-13 Ast­ore.

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GB Election Commission will continue to fulfil its constitutional and legal responsibilities for holding transparent, free and fair elections.