It is taking time to finalise the results of theGilgit-Baltistan elections,. the final notification will be issued within 14 days as required by law, the region’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Shahbaz Khan said on Thursday.
A press release issued by GB’s election commission said that the election phase in the region had ended “peacefully”. work was underway to finalise the results.
“It is taking time to collect. finalise the results from remote areas; however, the final notification will be issued within 14 days as per the law,” the CEC said, referring to Section 98 of the Election Act.
Meanwhile, nine petitions regarding the elections are in the process of being heard by the commission.
“So far. three petitions have been heard, while the hearing of the other petitions will be held on Friday,” the statement said, adding that this phase would be completed “soon”.
According to the press release, Form 49 — for final official results — has been issued for the constituencies of GBA-6 Hunza, GBA-11 Kharmang, GBA-23 Ghanche II. GBA 23 Ghanche III. Re-polling orders have been issued in five others. work is underway to finalise the election results in the remaining constituencies, Khan said.
Meanwhile, the PPP and PML-N leadership were unable to agree on the formation of the GB government.
The PPP isall setto form a government in the region after it gained 11 out of 24 seats in the GB Legislative Assembly. according to the unofficial results (Form-47) of the June 7 elections.
Earlier, key leaders of the PPP. PML-N, which secured six seats,metin Gilgit to hold detailed deliberations on proposals related to the formation of the upcoming GB government.
In its statement. the PPP claimed a “major breakthrough” in the process, saying that the parties decided to present the proposals for the government’s formation to their respective central leadership.
It said the discussions also pertained to political cooperation, along with various national and domestic issues.
The PPP delegation asserted that the people of GB had given it the mandate by “making it the largest party”. its statement said.
The party leaders stated that all decisions on government formation would be made keeping in view democratic principles, political consultations. public interests.
Meanwhile, the PML-N statement said that “several proposals came under consideration. it was agreed to move forward with the consultation process”.
It noted that the future course of action would be determined after the proposals were reviewed. both parties’ central leadership was taken into confidence.
PPP Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon. Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah were part of the PPP delegation. The main contender for the chief minister’s slot from the PPP — its GB chapter president Advocate Amjad Hussain — was also present.
The PML-N side included Minister for Kashmir Affairs. GB Amir Muqam, and its GB President Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, also a former chief minister.
As per Forms 47 issued by returning officers from 24 constituencies. the PPP bagged 11 seats in the elections, with the PML-N trailing with six seats. PTI-backed candidates won two seats, while its ally Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) won one seat. Independent candidates secured four seats.
The consolidation of the results wasbarreduntil re-polling at certain polling stations in five constituencies is complete — GBA-8 Skardu-II, GBA-13 Astore-I, GBA-15 Diamer-I, GBA-16 Diamer-II. GBA-17 Diamer-III.
However, on Wednesday, the election commission withdrew its earlier notification ordering a re-poll at 10 polling stations in GBA-8 Skardu-II. Following the decision, the constituency’s returning officer issued Form 49. declared MWM candidate Kazim Mesum the winner of the seat.
The commission has also ordered a recount of votes in constituency GBA-09 Skardu-III following an inquiry into allegations of polling irregularities, illegal practices. corrupt practices.
According to an official notification issued on June 11, the CEC accepted the recommendation contained in the inquiry report submitted by the district returning officer (DRO). directed that a recount of votes be conducted in accordance with the Elections Act.
The recount will be carried out after due notice is given to all contesting candidates and their authorised election agents. The commission has also directed officials to carefully scrutinise ballot papers during the recount process to ensure the accuracy, transparency. proper determination of the votes cast.
Upon completion of the recount, the election result will be finalised. consolidated in accordance with the Elections Act, 2017, and the Elections Rules, 2017.
PPP candidate Fida Muhammad Nashad was declared the winner of the constituency in Form 47.
Supporters of PPP candidate Attaullah from GBA-16 Diamer-II continued their protest for a fourth consecutive day on Thursday outside the DRO’s office in Chilas. blocking the Karakoram Highway (KKH). They demanded the counting of postal ballots. the announcement of the constituency’s final results without delay, and opposed re-polling at three polling stations.
The protesters said they would continue their blockade of the KKH until the constituency’s official results were announced. Form 48 was issued.
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