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Gilgit-Baltistan Delays General and Local Elections Citing Winter Safety Risks

The commission followed a multiparty consultation that favored postponement.

Overview

  • Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shehbaz Khan announced the delay after reviewing severe weather risks to voters, candidates and election staff.
  • The assembly vote had been set for January 24, 2026, with local government polls slated for February 14, 2026.
  • Khan said 13 political parties at the multiparty conference called for postponement, while six wanted to proceed on the original dates.
  • The commission will announce new dates later and said it is considering holding both elections together in May.
  • Gilgit-Baltistan has been under a caretaker administration since the assembly’s dissolution on November 24, and the planned local polls would be the first in about 20 years.