Tensions flared in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan as supporters of independent candidates staged protests over delayed election results and alleged irregularities, while vote counting continued for the region’s 24 general seats.
According to the latest unofficial and unconfirmed results, outcomes have been announced in 15 of the 24 constituencies, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerging as the leading political party so far.
The counting process is still underway for all 24 general seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. So far, unofficial and unconfirmed results have been announced for 15 constituencies.
Protests over delayed results
Independent candidates and their supporters staged protests outside the district returning officer (DRO) office over delays in the announcement of results for GBA-15, GBA-16, GBA-17 and GBA-18.
Protesters claimed that the delay in releasing the results was creating doubts about the transparency of the election process and making the elections appear suspicious.
The demonstrations intensified as supporters demanded the immediate release of election results.
Police use shells to disperse protesters
In GBA-16 Diamer-II, supporters of independent candidate Syed Imam Malik launched a protest against the delay in the results. According to reports, protesters surrounded the DRO office in Chilas and continued their demonstration.
The protesters accused the authorities of favouring some candidates as well as trying to change the election results.
Also Read: PPP takes lead in Gilgit-Baltistan elections with eight seats
Police later fired shells to disperse the protesters after the situation escalated around the election office.
Astore protesters allege irregularities
Separate protests were also held in GBA-14 Astore-II, where supporters of candidates took to the streets over alleged rigging and delays in the results.
Demonstrators gathered outside the returning officer (RO) office and chanted slogans against what they described as election irregularities. Protesters alleged that bogus votes had been cast at various polling stations.
They further claimed that in some polling stations, the number of votes cast exceeded the number of registered voters, raising concerns about the integrity of the polling process.
Election process under scrutiny
The protests have added to tensions surrounding the ongoing vote-counting process in several constituencies.
Supporters of candidates have called for greater transparency and quicker announcement of results, while election authorities continue the counting and consolidation process.
With results from nine constituencies still awaited, political parties, independent candidates and voters remain focused on the final outcome of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
