Gilgit-Baltistan Elections 2026 Live: Over 958,000 Voters Cast Votes for 24 Assembly Seats

Gilgit: Polling for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Elections 2026 is underway across the region, with voters turning out in large numbers to elect representatives for the 24-member legislative assembly. Polling began early in the morning and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00 PM.

The election has generated significant public interest, with enthusiastic voters arriving at polling stations before voting officially commenced. The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan has made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and transparent voting process.

According to official figures, a total of 1,391 polling stations have been established across all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Among them, 349 polling stations have been categorized as sensitive, while 551 have been declared highly sensitive due to security concerns.

More than 400 candidates are contesting the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, while 958,480 registered voters are expected to exercise their democratic right and decide the political future of the region.

Major political parties are actively competing for seats, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) fielding 23 candidates and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) contesting 22 seats. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has entered 15 candidates, while the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) has fielded 11 candidates. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) is contesting with 9 candidates.

Meanwhile, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) has nominated 7 candidates, while Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have fielded 6 candidates each. In addition, 266 independent candidates are contesting from various constituencies, adding further competition to the electoral race.

To maintain law and order during the election process, authorities have implemented stringent security measures. Personnel from local police, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and Punjab Police have been deployed across the region. Law enforcement agencies also conducted flag marches in various constituencies ahead of polling day to ensure peaceful elections.