The final list of candidates for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly General Elections 2026 was released on Tuesday, revealing that a total of 403 candidates will contest elections across 24 Constituencies. The official figures show an overwhelming presence of independent candidates, while women's representation remains significantly low. According to the Election Commission's data, 272 independent candidates are in the race, whereas 131 candidates are contesting on tickets of various political parties.

Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) leads the field with 23 candidates, followed closely by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 22 candidates. Other political parties participating in the elections include Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) with 15 candidates, Pakistan Muslim League with 11, Islami Tehreek Pakistan and Pakistan Nazriyati Party with 10 candidates each, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) with 9 candidates.

Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM) has fielded 7 candidates, while Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have nominated 6 candidates each. Constituency-wise details indicate that the most competitive contest is expected in GBA-2 Gilgit-II, where 40 candidates are vying for a single seat.

The second-largest contest will take place in GBA-14 Astore-II, where 33 candidates are in the running. In contrast, GBA-24 Ghanche-III has the fewest candidates, with only 6 contestants. The document also highlights the limited participation of women in the electoral process. Out of the total 403 candidates, only 8 are women.

Among them, five are contesting as independent candidates, while one each represents Pakistan Peoples Party, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and Pakistan National Party. Following the issuance of the final candidate list, election campaigns have gained momentum across Gilgit-Baltistan. Political parties and independent candidates have intensified voter outreach efforts, resulting in heightened political activity throughout the region ahead of the polls. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)