The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has emerged as the leading political party in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections 2026, securing leads in 11 constituencies according to unofficial and preliminary results. Vote counting continues across the region as political parties closely monitor developments in one of Pakistan’s most significant regional elections.
Polling for the 24 directly elected seats of the 33-member Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly took place across 1,691 polling stations. More than 7,500 election officials and polling staff were deployed to facilitate the voting process and ensure smooth conduct of the elections. A political party requires at least 13 seats to form the next government in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Based on preliminary results, the PPP is leading with 11 seats, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is ahead in 5 constituencies. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose candidates contested as independents, is leading in 3 seats. Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) has secured a lead in 1 constituency, while independent candidates are leading in 2 seats.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly consists of 33 members, including 24 directly elected representatives, 6 reserved seats for women, and 3 reserved seats for technocrats and professionals. Reserved seats are allocated through proportional representation based on the strength of political parties in the assembly.
A total of 396 candidates contested the elections, including nominees from 24 political parties and hundreds of independent candidates. More than 963,000 registered voters were eligible to cast their votes across the region’s ten districts.
Polling, which had been postponed for several months due to severe winter conditions, remained largely peaceful throughout election day. Authorities reported no major incidents of violence, while security forces maintained strict vigilance across sensitive polling stations.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, the election process became controversial following allegations of irregularities raised by multiple political parties. PPP leaders accused election officials of delaying the issuance of Form-45, an important document that records polling station results. Party officials claimed the issue had been formally raised with the Chief Election Commissioner.
PPP representatives also alleged that voter lists had been altered and certain polling stations had been relocated shortly before voting. Concerns were particularly raised regarding a polling station in the Bunji area of Astore, which was reportedly shifted to a different location, potentially affecting voter participation.
PTI also voiced concerns over the election process. Party representatives claimed that they were initially leading in several constituencies before alleged irregularities emerged after polling concluded. PTI questioned unusually high voter turnout percentages reported in some areas and raised concerns regarding ballot counts.
The party further alleged that its polling agents were not being provided Form-46 and accused authorities of violating election procedures. PTI described the situation as a systematic attempt to influence results and demanded the immediate release of official election documents to all candidates and political parties.
Election authorities, however, maintained that polling was conducted under transparent and secure conditions. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan visited multiple polling stations and stated that the voting process remained peaceful and orderly. He also noted encouraging participation by women voters throughout the region.
To ensure security, thousands of additional law enforcement personnel from Punjab and Islamabad were deployed to assist local authorities. Sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations received enhanced security arrangements to prevent disruptions and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
The election attracted significant attention from major political parties, including PPP, PML-N, PTI, Jamaat-e-Islami, JUI-F, MQM-P, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party. Party leaders actively campaigned across the region, highlighting issues such as constitutional rights, economic development, employment opportunities, infrastructure projects, and regional autonomy.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged voters to support the party’s vision for Gilgit-Baltistan, promising greater constitutional rights, economic growth, and enhanced local governance. Meanwhile, rival parties also pledged development initiatives and reforms aimed at improving living standards across the mountainous region.
As counting continues and final results remain pending, political observers are closely watching whether PPP can convert its current lead into a governing majority. The outcome will play a crucial role in shaping the future political and developmental direction of Gilgit-Baltistan over the coming years.
