Gilgit: Voting has officially started for the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, setting the stage for a crucial political contest that will determine the region’s next government.
According to Beyond Time News, polling began in the morning and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00 PM. Authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements across Gilgit-Baltistan to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
More than 958,000 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots, while over 400 candidates are competing for 24 directly elected seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
Over 958,000 Voters Head to Polling Stations
The Election Commission has established polling stations across the region to facilitate voters.
A total of 958,480 registered voters will participate in the electoral process. Meanwhile, 403 candidates are contesting the 24 assembly seats, making this one of the most competitive elections in recent years.
Political observers expect a close contest among major political parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), religious parties, regional groups, and a significant number of independent candidates.
Security Placed on High Alert
Authorities have implemented strict security measures throughout Gilgit-Baltistan to maintain law and order during polling.
Security personnel have been deployed at sensitive polling stations and key locations. In addition, election officials are monitoring the voting process to prevent disruptions and ensure that voters can cast their ballots safely.
Officials have urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies and follow election-related guidelines throughout the day.
Election Commission Rejects Fake Notification
The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission has also issued an important clarification regarding a viral notification circulating on social media.
According to the commission, the document claiming the disqualification of election candidate Riyaz Akbar is completely fake.
Election officials stated that they never issued such a notification. Furthermore, they confirmed that unknown individuals fraudulently used the name and signature of the Provincial Election Commissioner on the forged document.
The commission warned that creating and sharing fake election-related notifications is a punishable offence under the law.
What Political Parties Need to Form Government
The newly elected assembly consists of 24 directly elected seats. However, a political party requires at least 17 seats to secure a simple majority and independently form the regional government after the allocation of reserved seats.
As a result, every major constituency has gained strategic importance in the race for power.
Political analysts believe that coalition-building could play a key role if no party secures a clear majority.
Key Battlegrounds to Watch
Several constituencies have emerged as high-profile electoral battlegrounds due to the presence of influential political leaders.
GBA-1 (Gilgit-I)
This constituency features one of the most closely watched contests in the region.
Amjad Hussain Azar, a senior PPP leader, faces strong competition from rival political parties and independent candidates. His performance could significantly influence the PPP’s overall position in Gilgit Division.
GBA-2 (Gilgit-II)
Former Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman is contesting from this seat.
The PML-N leader has focused his campaign on infrastructure projects and development initiatives completed during his tenure. However, he faces a strong challenge from competing parties and local candidates.
Baltistan Division Sees High-Profile Contests
Baltistan remains another major focus of the election.
GBA-7 (Skardu-I)
Former Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah is contesting this crucial constituency. The veteran PPP leader remains one of the region’s most recognizable political figures.
Local political dynamics and community influence are expected to play a significant role in determining the outcome.
GBA-8 (Skardu-II)
Former GB Assembly Speaker Syed Amjad Ali Zaidi enters the race as a prominent independent candidate.
His strong grassroots support has made this constituency one of the most closely monitored contests in Baltistan Division.
Nationalist and Regional Influence Remains Strong
While national political parties dominate headlines, several constituencies continue to favor regional and nationalist leaders.
GBA-20 (Ghizer-II)
Veteran nationalist politician Nawaz Khan Naji remains a major force in this constituency.
His long-standing influence and strong local support have historically made Ghizer one of the most independent-minded political regions in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Read more:GB Elections 2026: Polling Underway as Voters Decide Future of Gilgit-Baltistan
Tribal and Community Factors Shape Several Seats
In Diamer and Astore, local alliances, tribal leadership, and community networks continue to influence voter behavior.
Similarly, constituencies in Ghanche often witness political competition shaped by community consensus and local leadership structures.
As a result, political parties frequently rely on local endorsements and grassroots engagement to strengthen their electoral prospects.
Election Results Could Reshape Regional Politics
The 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan elections carry significant political importance for both regional and national parties.
The outcome will determine not only the next regional government but also the balance of political influence in one of Pakistan’s strategically important regions.
With voter turnout expected to remain strong and competition intense across multiple constituencies, all eyes now remain on the polling process and the results that will emerge in the coming days.
FAQs
How many seats are being contested in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections?
Voters are electing representatives for 24 directly elected seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.
How many registered voters are eligible to vote?
A total of 958,480 registered voters can cast their ballots in the 2026 elections.
How many candidates are contesting the election?
There are 403 candidates competing for 24 assembly seats.
How many seats are required to form the government?
A political party needs 17 seats to secure a simple majority and independently form the regional government.
What did the Election Commission say about Riyaz Akbar’s disqualification notification?
The commission declared the notification fake and stated that it did not issue any such document.
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