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IT appears that the PPP is in a comfortable position to form the government in Gilgit-Baltistan after Sunday’s polls for the region’s assembly.
Though the party was leading the unofficial count at the time of writing, the polling process was not without controversy, with the PPP itself claiming there had been irregularities. The PTI also claimed there was “poll rigging”. The local election commission has announced a re-poll on five seats next week.
It is hoped that the complaints about the polling process are satisfactorily addressed so that the elections have legitimacy. Unless there are radical changes to the final tally, the PPP will most likely head the incoming GB government, possibly in a coalition with the PML-N. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has already congratulated the PPP on its victory.
The PPP has a strong base in GB, and has formed governments here before. However, the electoral process in the mountain region should not simply resemble a game of political musical chairs. The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
