Skardu: The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has rejected objections and petitions filed against election results in several constituencies, thereby upholding the victories of candidates from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and independent candidates.

The decisions were announced by Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shehbaz following hearings on election-related disputes and requests for recounts and re-polling.

PPP Victory Retained in GBA-17

According to the Election Commission’s ruling, the request for a recount in GBA-17 Diamer III was rejected.

As a result, the victory of PPP candidate Muhammad Naseem was upheld, and no further recounting process was ordered.

PML-N Successes Maintained

The commission also dismissed objections in multiple constituencies won by PML-N candidates.

• In GBA-18 Diamer IV, the objection was rejected and Kifayat-ur-Rehman (PML-N) retained his victory.
• In GBA-14 Astore II, the commission dismissed the challenge and upheld the success of Rana Muhammad Farooq (PML-N).
• In GBA-20 Ghizer II, objections were also rejected, confirming the victory of Abdul Jahan (PML-N).

PPP Retains Another Seat in Ghizer

The Election Commission further ruled on GBA-19 Ghizer I, rejecting objections and maintaining the victory of PPP candidate Syed Jalal Shah.

The decision reinforced the party’s position in the constituency following the recent elections.

Independent Candidates Also Benefit

In GBA-15 Diamer I, objections against the election result were dismissed, and independent candidate Muhammad Dilpazeer retained his winning status.

Similarly, in GBA-5 Nagar I, the commission rejected objections and confirmed the victory of PPP candidate Zulfiqar Ali Murad.

Decision on GBA-16 Diamer II

A separate ruling was issued for GBA-16 Diamer II, where independent candidate Imam Malik had sought re-polling.

The Election Commission rejected the request for re-polling but ordered the counting of postal ballot papers, which could affect the final tally depending on the outcome of the count.

Political Significance

The decisions are expected to bring greater clarity to the post-election political landscape in Gilgit-Baltistan. With most objections dismissed and victories upheld, the Election Commission has largely validated the previously announced results.

The rulings come amid ongoing discussions regarding government formation in the region, where PPP and PML-N have been engaged in political consultations following the elections.

Conclusion

By rejecting objections in six constituencies and maintaining the victories of PPP, PML-N, and independent candidates, the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan has reinforced the election results in most disputed seats. The only remaining action relates to the counting of postal ballots in GBA-16 Diamer II, which may determine the final outcome in that constituency.