The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has emerged as the single largest party in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, with unofficial and preliminary results showing the party won 10 of the 24 constituencies so far.
According to unofficial and unconfirmed results, the Pakistan Peoples Party has emerged victorious in 10 constituencies, including GBA-1, GBA-4, GBA-5, GBA-7, GBA-9, GBA-10, GBA-11, GBA-12, GBA-17 and GBA-19.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged victorious in GBA-2, GBA-18, GBA-20 and GBA-22.
Independent candidates secured seven seats, winning in GBA-3, GBA-6, GBA-15, GBA-16, GBA-21, GBA-23 and GBA-24, according to unofficial and preliminary results.
Meanwhile, the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) won one seat in GBA-8.
With no party securing a simple majority, a coalition government involving the PPP and PML-N is likely to be formed in Gilgit-Baltistan, according to sources.
Sources said the coalition could follow a model similar to the PDM set-up, with the chief minister’s office expected to go to the PPP, while the governor’s position could be allocated to the PML-N.
They added that ministries in the proposed coalition government may be distributed under a 60-40 formula between the two parties.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on the peaceful conduct of elections and felicitated the PPP for emerging as the largest political party in the region.
“PPP deserved congratulations for securing the highest number of seats in the elections,” the premier said in a statement, extending felicitations to President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the party’s performance.
The premier also congratulated the successful candidates of PML-N who put up strong competition, besides praising the party’s team for their hard work and dedication. He said the party’s team had worked hard during the campaign and deserved recognition for its efforts.
He also lauded the Election Commission for ensuring a transparent and impartial electoral process, describing its role as commendable. –Agencies
