The PTI denounces electoral fraud in the GB polls

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday strongly condemned what it described as massive electoral irregularities, manipulation of results and misuse of state machinery in several constituencies during the Gilgit-Baltistan elections held on Sunday.

In a statement issued by its central media department in The party also alleged that some ballot boxes contained between 700 and 800 votes, raising serious questions about transparency.

The PTI further claimed that its election agents were denied Form 45, calling it a violation of electoral laws and saying it reinforced concerns about manipulation of results. The party added that reports from Nagar and other areas suggested recovery of fake ballot papers from people affiliated with rival parties, while some suspects were allegedly caught red-handed in the early hours of the day.

According to the PTI, the alleged irregularities were not limited to election day but were part of pre-election manipulation, including changes in voter lists, duplication of voter registrations at different polling stations, alleged interference by police and administration in constituency boundaries and voting agreements, and harassment of candidates and party workers.

The party said these incidents reflected attempts to undermine the public mandate. The PTI warned that it would pursue all constitutional, legal and democratic options to protect the rights of its voters in case of any alteration in the election results.

It demanded immediate publication of verified results from all polling stations, provision of Forms 45 and 46 to all candidates without delay and an independent investigation into suspected polling stations, along with action against those responsible. He also urged the Electoral Commission to ensure full transparency and fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

The PTI reiterated that it will continue to defend the mandate of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and oppose any attempt to influence the election outcome.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, congratulated the people of Britain for the successful holding of what he described as “transparent, peaceful and politically vibrant elections.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had emerged as the leading political party in the elections and deserved congratulations. He also congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for the result.

Prime Minister Shehbaz further congratulated the selected candidates of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying that they had put up a strong electoral contest and praising their campaign efforts. He congratulated all the successful candidates in Britain, noting that their success reflected public confidence.

The Prime Minister thanked the people of GB for their active participation in the democratic process and said their commitment strengthened democratic traditions in the region. He said peaceful and transparent elections were the true hallmark of democracy and praised the Election Commission for ensuring free and fair elections.

He also praised the role of law enforcement agencies and stated that the police and other security institutions played an important role in maintaining peace during the electoral process and deserved recognition for their performance.

Elections in Britain took place peacefully on Sunday. Voting began at 8 a.m. and continued uninterrupted until 5 p.m. in all districts. Election day passed without major disturbances and voters turned out in large numbers to polling stations throughout the region.

Read more: PPP takes lead in UK polls

According to unofficial and incomplete results, the PPP leads with 11 of the 24 seats, followed by the PML-N with five seats. The PTI was ahead in three constituencies, while its ally Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen was leading in one seat. Independent candidates currently lead in two electoral districts.

However, almost 22 hours after the election closed, not a single official result has been announced, raising concerns about the delay in the formal declaration of results.

According to official figures, there are 963,000 registered voters in Britain, including 506,000 men and 456,000 women. A total of 1,391 polling stations were set up, in which a large turnout was recorded, in which a considerable number of women also participated.

More than 12 political parties, along with independent candidates, participated in the elections. In total, 396 male candidates and eight female candidates participated in the race, highlighting a competitive electoral field in the region. The fight between the PPP and the PML-N was closely followed.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly consists of 33 seats. Of these, 24 are filled through direct elections, while six seats are reserved for women and three for technocrats. A simple majority of 17 seats is required for any party or alliance to form a government.