Summary All mainstream political parties remained engaged in canvassing for their candidates
- PPP Bilawal and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif held public rallies to woo voters for their hopefuls; Of these 154 polling stations have been declared highly sensitive and 48 sensitive
- The Election Commission has reiterated that all administrative and logistical measures are in place to support fair and transparent polling as citizens prepare to head to the booths across Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Election Commission figures show that 958,780 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 503,772 male voters and more than 455,000 female voters
GILGIT (Dunya News) – Polling gained momentum in elections for Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly by midday on Sunday amid tight security measures with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) main rivals.
Polling started in 24 constituencies as a rush of voters could be seen at polling stations before the scheduled starting time of 8 a.m., reflecting their enthusiasm in the elections being held after six years. Polling will continue without a break till 5 p.m.
All mainstream political parties remained engaged in canvassing for their candidates, with mammoth rallies and election promises. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif held public rallies to woo voters for their hopefuls.
A close contest is expected among the PML-N, the PPP, and other political parties. The PPP has fielded 23 candidates, while the PML-N has 22 candidates in the race.
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam has fielded 9 candidates, Islami Tehreek Pakistan 10 candidates, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen 7 candidates, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party 15 candidates.
In addition, the Pakistan Nazriyati Party has fielded 10 candidates in the election.
Political pundits have forecast tough competition between the PML-N and the PPP.
STRINGENT SECURITY MEASURES
All arrangements have been finalised for the General Elections. Stringent security measures have been put in place at all polling stations across Gilgit district, where a total of 253 polling stations have been established in three constituencies.
SENSITIVE, HIGHLY SENSITIVE POLLING STATIONS
Of these 154 polling stations have been declared highly sensitive and 48 sensitive. Election materials, including ballot boxes, ballot papers and other essential supplies, have been dispatched to their respective polling stations.
According to election statistics, Constituency-I Gilgit has 23 candidates contesting the elections, including Shafiqur Rehman, Ilyas Siddiqui, Amjad Hussain and Maulana Sultan Raees, who is backed by the Rah-e-Haq Party.
The constituency has a total of 47,373 registered voters, including 25,412 male and 21,961 female voters. A total of 80 polling stations have been established, of which 49 have been categorized as highly sensitive and 31 as sensitive. Around 1,300 polling staff and 550 security personnel have been deployed to ensure smooth polling.
In Constituency-II Gilgit, 40 candidates are in the race. The constituency has 55,849 registered voters, comprising 29,839 male and 26,010 female voters. A total of 91 polling stations have been established, with security placed on high alert, particularly at highly sensitive and sensitive polling stations.
Meanwhile, Constituency-III Gilgit has the highest number of candidates, with 122 contestants vying for the seat. The constituency has 52,161 registered voters, including 27,351 male and 24,810 female voters. Out of 82 polling stations established in the constituency, 16 have been declared highly sensitive and another 16 sensitive.
The district administration and law enforcement agencies have finalized foolproof security arrangements to ensure peaceful polling and enable voters to exercise their democratic right without fear or hindrance.
REGISTERED VOTERS
Election Commission figures show that 958,780 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 503,772 male voters and more than 455,000 female voters. The electorate will choose representatives from among 396 candidates, of whom 266 are contesting as independents, alongside seven women candidates participating in the race.
To facilitate the voting process, 2,447 polling booths have been set up across all constituencies. Security has been placed on high alert, with around 17,500 police personnel deployed to maintain order, while the Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies remain on standby to respond to any emergency situation.
The Election Commission has reiterated that all administrative and logistical measures are in place to support fair and transparent polling as citizens prepare to head to the booths across Gilgit-Baltistan.
ELECTION COMMISSIONER SEES HIGH VOTER TURNOUT
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan observed strong voter activity across Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that women voters are also actively participating in the electoral process.
Talking to a news channel, he said he has been visiting multiple polling stations to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
He noted that he has so far visited around ten polling stations, where security arrangements are satisfactory and the overall polling environment is being maintained in a well-organized manner.
He said women are turning out in large numbers at women polling stations, which reflects strong public awareness about the importance of exercising their democratic right.
He expressed satisfaction over the active participation of voters and appreciated the positive response from the public.
He added that all political parties are participating peacefully in the electoral process, which is encouraging for democratic stability.
CEC further said that voters are coming out with enthusiasm, contributing to a positive and participatory atmosphere across polling stations.
He assured that the elections will remain transparent, peaceful and orderly, with all necessary arrangements in place to facilitate voters and ensure a fair polling process.
