The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) held a lead in 11 constituencies as counting continued following the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections on Sunday, June 7, 2026. While polling concluded at 5pm across 24 constituencies, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) trailed with 5 seats, followed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with 3, and the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen with 1, according to preliminary and unofficial results.
Election integrity and allegations of interference
Concerns regarding the transparency of the electoral process were raised by PPP Central Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan. He alleged that federal ministers Amir Muqam and Aleem Khan were present in the region, exerting pressure on the local administration. According to Chan, reports indicated that presiding officers faced pressure to withhold Form 45. “If Form 45 is withheld or if any tampering with the results takes place, it will not only be an attack on the mandate of the people of G-B but will also damage the credibility of the entire electoral system,” Chan stated. He urged the election commission to guarantee the issuance of the forms and protect presiding officers.
Polling day conduct and security
G-B Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan reviewed arrangements at stations including Jutial Elementary College and Khomar City Park, expressing satisfaction with the process. Despite reports of long queues and delays, election officials noted that polling agents were generally satisfied with the environment. Security was a primary focus, with 5,000 Punjab Police officers deployed alongside local law enforcement, Rangers, and the Pakistan Army. In Diamer, authorities enforced Section 144 for 60 days, banning weapon displays and unauthorized drone operations.
Candidate activities and potential breaches
The election saw candidates participate in activities that drew scrutiny regarding the code of conduct. Former chief minister and PML-N candidate Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman was observed recording a video while stamping his ballot paper at a polling station in his native Paltani Mohalla. Under current rules, voters are prohibited from carrying mobile phones or cameras into polling areas. Meanwhile, major parties—including the PML-N and PTI—shared footage throughout the day showing supporters gathered at election camps and polling stations to demonstrate enthusiasm for their respective candidates.
The path forward for the assembly
With 13 seats required to form the next government, the final composition of the 33-seat assembly remains dependent on the remaining results and the allocation of reserved seats. The assembly includes 24 directly elected seats, 6 for women, and 3 for technocrats and professionals. If the unofficial leads hold, the PPP’s ability to secure a majority will likely dictate the region’s political direction. Analysts expect that if the allegations regarding Form 45 and administrative interference are not addressed by the election commission, the results could face formal challenges, potentially impacting the stability of the incoming government.
