The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured four seats, winning GBA-2, GBA-18, GBA-20 and GBA-22.
Independent candidates performed strongly, winning seven constituencies including GBA-3, GBA-6, GBA-15, GBA-16, GBA-21, GBA-23 and GBA-24.
The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) won one seat in GBA-8.
With no party securing the 13 seats required for a simple majority, political sources indicated that a coalition government between the PPP and PML-N is likely to be formed in Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to sources, the proposed alliance could follow a model similar to the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), with the chief minister’s office expected to go to the PPP, while the governor’s position may be allocated to the PML-N. Ministries could reportedly be distributed under a 60-40 power-sharing formula between the two parties.
PM Shehbaz Congratulates PPP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on the peaceful conduct of the elections and praised the Election Commission for ensuring a transparent electoral process.
The prime minister also congratulated the PPP on emerging as the largest political party in the region and extended his felicitations to President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
He also commended PML-N candidates and party workers for their performance and efforts during the election campaign.
Allegations of Election Irregularities
As unofficial results continued to emerge, several political parties raised concerns over the transparency of the electoral process.
PPP Central Secretary General Nayar Bukhari alleged that attempts were being made to manipulate election results and claimed that results in several constituencies had been delayed despite the party s victories.
He warned that the PPP would launch protests if efforts to alter the public mandate continued and demanded the immediate announcement of all pending results.
PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira also expressed concerns regarding delays in the issuance of Form-45 and urged party workers to remain present at polling stations until all official documents were provided.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan criticised the conduct of the elections, alleging that PTI leaders were prevented from participating in election campaigns and rallies.
Speaking to the media, Gohar said that all political parties should be allowed to campaign freely and stressed that whichever party receives the public mandate should have the right to form the government.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) also questioned the transparency of the elections. Party leader Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said delays in the announcement of results had raised doubts about the credibility of the process and warned against any attempt to change the public verdict.
Party Performance
The PPP fielded the highest number of candidates in the elections, with 23 contestants. The PML-N fielded 22 candidates, while 19 independent candidates were backed by PTI.
The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) fielded 15 candidates, Pakistan Nazriyati Party (PNP) 11, while JUI-F and Islami Tehreek Pakistan (ITP) each fielded nine candidates.
The MWM nominated seven candidates, while Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) fielded six candidates each. The Awami Workers Party (AWP) fielded four candidates.
With coalition negotiations expected to begin soon, Gilgit-Baltistan appears headed towards a coalition government as parties work to secure support from independent lawmakers and smaller political groups.
