Gilgit-Baltistan Elections Underway Amid Tight Security
Polling begins in Gilgit-Baltistan general elections for 24 seats
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Image: Dawn
Polling for 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly commenced on Sunday, following a four-month delay due to harsh winter conditions. With 396 candidates, including 266 independents, the elections are being closely monitored with extensive security measures in place.
- 01Polling began at 8am and will end at 5pm on election day.
- 02A total of 958,480 registered voters are eligible to vote, including 503,772 men and 454,708 women.
- 03The PTI won the last elections in November 2020 but faced challenges leading to a coalition government.
- 04Security includes 6,000 personnel from Punjab police and 2,000 from Islamabad police, with 1,391 polling stations set up across the region.
- 05The PPP and PML-N have actively campaigned, while the PTI claims a lack of a level playing field.
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Polling for the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections commenced on Sunday, with 24 seats up for grabs. The elections, delayed for four months due to severe winter weather, feature 396 candidates, predominantly independents. Voter registration stands at 958,480, with a near-even split between male and female voters. Security is a top priority, with 6,000 Punjab police and 2,000 Islamabad police deployed across 1,391 polling stations, categorized by sensitivity. The last elections were held in November 2020, won by the PTI, which now faces challenges after its Chief Minister was disqualified. The PML-N and PPP have campaigned vigorously, while the PTI has raised concerns over fairness in the electoral process. Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan emphasized the importance of peaceful voting and has empowered district officials to maintain order during the elections.
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The elections will determine the political landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan, influencing governance and local policies.
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