The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly Elections 2026 are all set to begin tomorrow in Pakistan’s northern region as voters prepare for a closely watched electoral contest.
Polling Schedule
The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan (ECGB) initially scheduled the general elections for January 24, 2026, after the completion of the previous assembly’s term. However, due to severe winter conditions, including blizzards and heavy snowfall, the polling was rescheduled to June 7, 2026, to ensure voter accessibility.
GB Assembly Structure and Seats
The Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly consists of 33 total seats, but only 24 are directly elected through public voting.
The remaining 9 seats include:
- 6 reserved for women
- 3 reserved for technocrats and professionals
These are allocated to political parties based on their performance in the general seats.
Candidates and Political Landscape
A total of 403 candidates are contesting across 24 constituencies, including:
- 272 independent candidates
- 131 party-backed candidates
Major political parties include:
- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
- Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
- Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP)
- Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI)
- Jamaat-e-Islami
- Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is participating without a unified electoral symbol, with its candidates contesting as independents.
Key Constituencies and Regional Contest
Certain districts are drawing strong attention due to high-profile contests:
- Gilgit (GBA-1 to GBA-3): Urban political hub featuring senior leaders and former chief ministers
- Hunza & Nagar (GBA-4 to GBA-6): Strong presence of regional nationalist parties and independents
- Skardu (GBA-7 to GBA-12): A major political centre in Baltistan with influential power brokers
- Diamer (GBA-15 to GBA-18): Influenced by tribal structures and religious parties
- Ghazir, Shigar, Kharmang (GBA-13, 14, 19–24): Seen as key swing areas for forming a majority government
The most competitive seat is GBA-2 Gilgit-II, where 40 candidates are contesting. Another highly contested area is GBA-14 Astore-II with 33 candidates, while GBA-24 Ghanche-III has the fewest candidates at 6.
Electoral Arrangements and Logistics
Election authorities have completed preparations for voting across 10 districts in three divisions. Key arrangements include:
- 1,389 polling stations established
- Deployment of election staff including:
- 1,389 Presiding Officers
- 2,450 Assistant Presiding Officers
- 2,450 Polling Officers
Security and Campaign Activity
According to Gilgit-Baltistan Police, political activity intensified but remains under control. Since May 1, the region has seen:
- 614 peaceful political activities
- 62 major public rallies
- 217 public meetings and inauguration events
- 243 political offices established
- 92 political rallies held
Authorities have stated that the security situation remains stable ahead of polling.
Historical Electoral Trends
Gilgit-Baltistan has shown a pattern of aligning with the ruling party in Islamabad:
2020 Elections
In 2020, PTI secured a strong victory with 16 seats initially, later expanding to 22 seats with support from independents and reserved members. This led to Khalid Khurshid becoming Chief Minister before his disqualification in 2023, after which Haji Gulbar Khan led a coalition government.
2015 Elections
In 2015, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) dominated the elections with 22 seats, while PPP was reduced to a single seat. Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman served as Chief Minister during this period.
