PPP secures 11 seats as GB election chief decides 3 election petitions

The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner, Raja Shahbaz Khan, has finalized election results by announcing decisions on three pending petitions, ultimately awarding 11 seats to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

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The notifications for the successful candidates would now be issued.

The final tally sees the PPP securing 11 seats, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with six, independent candidates (who recently joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party) with four, two seats for PTI-backed candidates, and one for the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen. The election chief confirmed that official notifications for the successful candidates would be issued, with reserved seats for women and technocrats to be distributed based on party standings.

However, the electoral process faced scrutiny. Supporters of an independent candidate in GBA-16 had protested, blocking a major highway and demanding re-polling. While the GB Election Commission initially ordered re-polling at three stations in GBA-16, this decision was later rescinded. Results for GBA-13 and GBA-16 were deferred until June 17.

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The initial decision to hold re-polling had prompted some opposition parties and candidates to allege that recounting and related measures could be used to influence electoral outcomes and shape the formation of the government.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced serious concerns regarding the Election Commission's handling of re-polling decisions. The HRCP noted that abrupt changes, such as suspending re-polling shortly after ordering it, risk reinforcing perceptions of political interference and eroding public confidence in the electoral administration. The commission's statement highlighted that initial decisions on re-polling had already led to allegations from opposition parties about potential manipulation to influence government formation.

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Abrupt changes of this nature risk reinforcing existing perceptions of political interference and undermining public confidence in the electoral process and its administration.