Gilgit: The Chief Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Raja Shahbaz Khan, has rejected allegations of rigging in the recent general elections. He also confirmed that decisions on pending election petitions will be announced on Monday.
According to Beyond Time News, the commissioner said the June 7 elections were conducted in a transparent, peaceful, and impartial manner. He added that the Election Commission fulfilled all constitutional and legal requirements during the electoral process.
The statement comes amid growing political debate over election results and government formation in the region.
Election Petitions Under Review
Following the June 7 polls, candidates and political parties submitted several election petitions. The GB Election Commission began receiving these petitions on June 8.
According to Beyond Time News, the commission is hearing the cases under the Elections Act, 2017. Raja Shahbaz Khan stated that the commission remains committed to resolving all disputes within the legal timeframe.
So far, officials have completed hearings on 10 election petitions. Meanwhile, hearings on the remaining petitions are continuing according to schedule.
The chief election commissioner emphasized that every petitioner received a fair opportunity to present arguments. Lawyers representing different political parties also participated in the proceedings.
Furthermore, he assured all stakeholders that the commission would make decisions based on available evidence and relevant legal provisions.
Election Process Described as Transparent
Raja Shahbaz Khan dismissed claims that the election process lacked transparency.
According to Beyond Time News, he stated that polling officials provided Form-45 to polling agents at all polling stations in accordance with election laws.
Moreover, he said the electoral process remained transparent from polling to result compilation. He maintained that the commission acted independently and ensured fairness throughout the elections.
As a result, the Election Commission believes the electoral process met legal standards and protected voters’ rights.
Political Tensions Rise Over Election Results
Meanwhile, political tensions continue to rise between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Both parties have exchanged criticism regarding the election results and the formation of the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to Beyond Time News, PPP leaders have urged the Election Commission to ensure that the democratic process remains free from controversy. They have also called for decisions based strictly on legal and constitutional principles.
At the same time, PML-N leaders have defended their party’s role in the election process and rejected allegations of interference.
PML-N Defends Its Position
Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique addressed the issue through a statement on social media.
He said the party’s primary objective was to protect Gilgit-Baltistan from political bargaining and horse-trading.
Furthermore, Rafique argued that there was no justification for accusations directed at the PML-N leadership. He also criticized what he described as an unfair political narrative against his party.
According to Beyond Time News, Rafique maintained that the PML-N remains committed to democratic values and constitutional procedures.
PPP Raises Concerns Over Election Outcome
On the other hand, senior PPP leader and former GB governor Qamar Zaman Kaira strongly responded to the PML-N’s remarks.
He indirectly accused political opponents of attempting to influence the election outcome. In addition, he warned against any effort to undermine what he described as the PPP’s electoral mandate.
According to Beyond Time News, Kaira claimed that timely protests and media attention helped address concerns regarding election documentation and result procedures.
Moreover, he rejected claims that independent candidates were aligned with the PML-N. He described such assertions as inaccurate and misleading.
The PPP leader insisted that the party would continue to defend the votes it received from the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Debate Continues Over Government Formation
The dispute has also expanded to discussions about government formation.
According to Beyond Time News, preliminary unofficial results indicate that the PPP secured the largest number of seats in the election. The PML-N also performed strongly and remains a significant political force in the region.
However, both parties continue to interpret the results differently as political negotiations move forward.
Analysts believe that alliances and support from independent candidates could play a key role in determining the composition of the next government.
Read more:GB Elections 2026: PPP Leads as Results from Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Seats Continue to Roll In
Importance of Electoral Transparency
Election observers note that public confidence in democratic institutions depends heavily on transparency and accountability.
Therefore, the Election Commission’s handling of petitions will likely influence public perception of the electoral process.
Furthermore, timely decisions may help reduce political tensions and provide greater clarity regarding the final election outcome.
According to Beyond Time News, stakeholders across the political spectrum are closely monitoring the commission’s decisions expected on Monday.
Looking Ahead
As Gilgit-Baltistan awaits the Election Commission’s verdicts, political parties continue to position themselves for the next phase of government formation.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to impartiality and adherence to the law.
The decisions on pending petitions could shape the region’s political landscape in the coming weeks. Therefore, all eyes remain on the commission as it prepares to announce its findings.
FAQs
What did the GB Chief Election Commissioner say about rigging allegations?
He rejected the allegations and stated that the elections were conducted in a transparent and impartial manner.
When will decisions on election petitions be announced?
The Election Commission has said it will announce decisions on the pending petitions on Monday.
How many election petition hearings have been completed?
According to the commission, hearings on 10 petitions have already been completed.
Which political parties are disputing the election results?
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have exchanged criticism over the results and government formation.
Why are the petition decisions important?
The decisions could affect the final election outcome and influence the formation of the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan.
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