PTI alleges electoral rigging in G-B polls

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday strongly condemned what it described as massive electoral irregularities, manipulation of results and misuse of state machinery in several constituencies during the Gilgit-Baltistan elections held on Sunday.

In a statement issued by its central media department on X, PTI said early unofficial results showed its candidates leading until around 7pm, after which results from certain polling stations began to emerge showing unusually high voter turnout of over 80 per cent. The party also alleged that some ballot boxes contained between 700 and 800 votes, raising serious questions over transparency.

PTI further claimed that its polling agents were denied Form 45, calling it a violation of election laws and saying it reinforced concerns over tampering with results. The party added that reports from Nagar and other areas suggested the recovery of fake ballot papers from individuals affiliated with rival parties, while some suspects were allegedly caught red-handed in the early hours of the day.

According to PTI, the alleged irregularities were not limited to polling day but were part of pre-poll rigging, including changes in voter lists, duplication of voter entries across different polling stations, alleged interference by police and administration in constituency boundaries and polling arrangements, and harassment of candidates and party workers.

The party said these incidents reflected attempts to undermine the public mandate. PTI warned that it would pursue all constitutional, legal and democratic options to protect the rights of its voters in the event of any alteration in election results.

It demanded the immediate release of verified results from all polling stations, provision of Forms 45 and 46 to all candidates without delay, and an independent investigation into suspicious polling stations, along with action against those responsible. It also urged the Election Commission to ensure full transparency and fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.

PTI reiterated that it would continue to defend the mandate of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and oppose any attempt to influence the electoral outcome.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, congratulated the people of G-B on the successful conduct of what he described as “transparent, peaceful and politically vibrant elections.”

The prime minister acknowledged that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had emerged as the leading political party in the elections and deserved congratulations. He also extended felicitations to President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the outcome.

PM Shehbaz further congratulated the successful candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying they had put up a strong electoral contest and praising their campaign efforts. He extended congratulations to all successful candidates across G-B, noting that their success reflected public trust.

The prime minister appreciated the people of G-B for their active participation in the democratic process, saying their engagement strengthened democratic traditions in the region. He said peaceful and transparent elections were the true hallmark of democracy and praised the Election Commission for ensuring free and fair polls.

He also lauded the role of law enforcement agencies, stating that the police and other security institutions played an important role in maintaining peace during the electoral process and deserved appreciation for their performance.

Polling across G-B was held peacefully on Sunday. Voting began at 8am and continued uninterrupted until 5pm across all districts. Election day proceeded without any major disruption, with voters turning out in significant numbers at polling stations throughout the region.

Read More: PPP takes early lead in G-B polls

According to unofficial and incomplete results, the PPP is leading in 11 of the 24 seats, followed by the PML-N with five seats. The PTI was ahead in three constituencies, while its ally Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen was leading in one seat. Independent candidates are currently ahead in two constituencies.

However, nearly 22 hours after the close of polling, not a single official result has been announced, raising concerns over the delay in the formal declaration of outcomes.

According to official figures, there are 963,000 registered voters in G-B, including 506,000 men and 456,000 women. A total of 1,391 polling stations were set up, where a large turnout was witnessed, with women also participating in considerable numbers.

More than 12 political parties, alongside independent candidates, contested the elections. Overall, 396 male candidates and eight female candidates took part in the contest, highlighting a competitive electoral field in the region. The contest between the PPP and PML-N was particularly closely watched.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly consists of 33 seats. Of these, 24 are filled through direct elections, while six seats are reserved for women and three for technocrats. A simple majority of 17 seats is required for any party or alliance to form the government.