GILGIT: The electoral process across all 24 constituencies of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly has been concluded peacefully. An unprecedented number of independent candidates from PTI look set to play a decisive role in the next government formation.
GB Assembly Election 2026 Result (Page is being updated) Winners
Earlier in the day, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Gilgit-Baltistan, Raja Shahbaz Khan, visited various polling stations across the region. He monitored the voting process, assess security arrangements, and ensure a transparent and peaceful polling environment.
The House Composition
The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly consists of 33 total seats. The structural breakdown of the house includes:
24 Direct General Seats (contested in today’s polling)
6 Seats reserved for Women
3 Seats reserved for Technocrats and Professionals
To successfully form a government, a simple majority of 17 seats is required by any single political party or ruling coalition.
The Contenders and Party Breakdown
A total of 396 candidates entered the electoral arena this year. Major political and religious parties fielded the following numbers of candidates for the 24 general seats:
| Political Party | Number of Candidates Fielded |
| Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) | 23 |
| Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) | 22 |
| Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) | 15 |
| Pakistan Muslim League (PML) | 11 |
| Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) | 9 |
| Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) | 7 |
| Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) | 6 |
| Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) | 6 |
An Unprecedented Influx of Independents
This election season is uniquely defined by a massive surge of independent contenders. According to the Election Commission, out of the total 396 competing candidates, a staggering 266 are running as independents, leaving only 130 candidates contesting on official political or religious party tickets. Furthermore, only 7 women candidates are participating directly in the general elections.
Three-Way Battle for Power
Historically, Gilgit-Baltistan’s political landscape heavily favors the major mainstream parties that hold influence at the federal level. Analysts expect a fierce three-way battle between the region’s core political forces:
Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz): Benefiting from a strong foothold at the federal level, PML-N enters this race in a highly competitive position.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP): Holding a deeply rooted, traditional vote bank in the region, the PPP remains a heavyweight contender.
PTI-Backed Independent Candidates: Despite the lack of an official party symbol, independent candidates strongly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) have launched a powerful campaign and are expected to pull massive support.
Transition from the Last Assembly
Looking back at the previous legislative tenure (2020–2025), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) managed to secure a thumping two-thirds majority to form the government, with Khalid Khurshid and later Haji Gulbar Khan serving as Chief Ministers. The previous assembly successfully dissolved in November 2025 upon completing its official 5-year constitutional term.
As counting begins, all eyes are on the final tally. Ultimately, the political leanings and loyalties of the winning independent candidates will dictate which major party can secure the magic number of 17 to govern Gilgit-Baltistan.