PPP Emerges Ahead in GB Polls as PML-N Remains in the Race; Independents Likely to Decide Next Government

By Irfan Tariq | World Digital Times

GILGIT – The political future of Gilgit-Baltistan is gradually taking shape as unofficial election results and constituency trends continue to emerge from across the region following the conclusion of polling for the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections.

With more than 960,000 registered voters eligible to cast their ballots and over 400 candidates contesting for 24 directly elected seats, the election has become one of the most competitive political contests in the history of Gilgit-Baltistan. Polling was conducted through nearly 1,400 polling stations under tight security arrangements, with thousands of police, Rangers, Scouts and other security personnel deployed to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

According to unofficial results and early trends, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has emerged as the leading political force in several constituencies and appears poised to become the largest party in the new assembly. However, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) remains firmly in contention and has secured important victories in a number of key constituencies, ensuring that the race for power is far from over.

Independent candidates have once again demonstrated their political strength, winning and leading in several constituencies across Gilgit, Baltistan and Diamer divisions. Political analysts believe these independents could ultimately determine who forms the next government.

The Election Commission’s final list showed a total of 403 candidates contesting the elections, including 272 independent candidates and 131 candidates representing various political parties. The PPP fielded 23 candidates while PML-N nominated 22 candidates, making them the two largest organized political contenders in the election.

For any party or alliance to form the government in the 24-member elected assembly, at least 13 seats are required to secure a working majority. While no party appears close to sweeping the polls, ongoing trends indicate that coalition politics will once again play a decisive role in government formation.

Political circles in Gilgit and Islamabad are already witnessing intense discussions regarding possible post-election alliances. Sources suggest that despite their rivalry during the election campaign, both PPP and PML-N could explore avenues of cooperation to ensure political stability in the region. Support from successful independent candidates is also expected to be crucial in any government formation formula.

The election campaign saw major political figures entering the field, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, both of whom addressed large public gatherings in Gilgit-Baltistan. Their rallies transformed the regional election into a contest with national political significance.

One of the key themes of the campaign remained the constitutional future of Gilgit-Baltistan, employment opportunities for youth, tourism development, road infrastructure, energy projects and greater political representation. During his campaign, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also signaled support for enhanced representation of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir at the federal level, a statement that attracted considerable political attention.

As vote counting continues, election observers caution that the final political picture may take several more hours to fully emerge. However, one conclusion is already becoming clear: no major political party can ignore the growing influence of independent candidates, who are once again positioned to become the kingmakers of Gilgit-Baltistan politics.

With unofficial results still arriving from key constituencies, all eyes remain on the final tally that will determine not only the largest party in the assembly but also the shape of the coalition likely to govern Gilgit-Baltistan over the next five years.