Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan has announced that elections for the GB Assembly and long-delayed local government bodies will now take place simultaneously in April or May 2026. The decision follows requests from political parties and considerations of harsh winter conditions in the region. Speaking at a press conference in Gilgit on December 27, 2025, the CEC emphasized that both polls will be conducted on a party basis, ensuring free, fair, and transparent democratic processes for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
This move aims to restore local representation after a 21-year gap and uphold constitutional timelines.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Friday rejected claims questioning the commission’s constitutional mandate, confirming that both the general and local government elections will be conducted on a party basis
My report in The Newshttps://t.co/umyxuAWtbj pic.twitter.com/IVZV8EMo8o— ShabbirMir Shina (@ShabbirMir) December 27, 2025
Key Highlights
- Original polling dates — January 24 for Assembly and February 14 for LG elections — postponed due to weather and party demands.
- New schedule to be issued for simultaneous elections in April or May 2026.
- Local government elections, absent for 21 years, will proceed on party basis under GB Order 2018.
- Region has 163 union councils, 10 district councils, and total 1,719 LG seats (1,303 general, 416 women).
- Population stands at 1,709,049 per latest census.
- Once schedule is announced, federal ministers and prime minister require GB Election Commission permission for visits.
Revised Election Timeline
CEC Raja Shahbaz Khan explained that the five-year term of the previous GB Assembly ended on November 24, 2025, with a caretaker setup taking charge shortly after. The delay, he said, accommodates practical challenges while maintaining electoral integrity.
He reaffirmed the GB Election Commission’s sole authority over both sets of polls, stating they would be held “at all costs” to empower citizens in choosing representatives for local civic issues.
Empowering Local Democracy
The CEC highlighted the significance of reviving local bodies, noting the Local Government Act came into force on July 18, 2023. With structures including district councils, municipal committees, and corporations in place, the elections will address longstanding demands for grassroots governance.
Khan appealed to residents to actively participate in voting, strengthening democratic traditions in the region.
Gilgit-Baltistan continues its steady progress toward inclusive governance, with authorities committed to conducting timely elections that reflect the will of the people and promote development at every level.
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