Official Announcement by Election Commission
Bureau Report by Prospera
GILGIT, April 13 – The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan has formally declared Sunday, June 7, 2026, as the polling day for the general elections of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, Prospera has confirmed.
Background and Context
Gilgit-Baltistan, a region with significant strategic and political importance, operates under the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018, which provides a framework for democratic governance, including an elected assembly and a Chief Minister. The region’s electoral cycles have historically been closely watched, given its unique constitutional status and the longstanding demand for fuller political representation. The last general elections for the 33-seat assembly were held in 2020, with the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) forming the government. The upcoming polls are seen as a critical test of electoral transparency and political stability in the region, especially amid broader national conversations about electoral reforms and regional representation.
Official Announcement
According to a press release issued by the Public Relations Wing of the Election Commission Secretariat, the Chief Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan, Raja Shahbaz Khan, acting under Section 57(1) of the Election Act 2017, has officially set the polling date. The decision was made in conformity with Article 48(1)(a) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018, which empowers the commission to determine and announce election schedules.
Statement from Chief Election Commissioner
Speaking on the occasion, Raja Shahbaz Khan emphasized that the entire electoral process would be conducted in a transparent, free, fair, and impartial manner, strictly adhering to constitutional and legal requirements. “Every vote will count, and the commission is committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process,” he said.
Preparations and Public Appeal
The Election Commission has issued directives to all relevant institutions, including law enforcement agencies, district administrations, and polling staff, to ensure necessary arrangements for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections. Security plans, logistics for remote polling stations, and voter awareness campaigns are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks.
The commission has also urged the general public to actively participate in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote responsibly. Voter registration drives and accessibility measures for marginalized communities are being prioritized, officials added.
Prospera’s Assessment
With the polling date now set, political parties and independent candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns across Gilgit-Baltistan’s 24 districts. Prospera will continue to monitor pre-election developments, security arrangements, and the commission’s adherence to its stated principles of fairness and transparency in the lead-up to June 7, 2026.
