CEC urges immediate action for long-awaited LG elections in G-B

In a significant development, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Gilgit-Baltistan Raja Shahbaz Khan has penned a letter to the chief secretary (CS), emphasising the need for holding local government elections in the region.

The letter, referencing his earlier communication, sheds light on the prolonged absence of local government (LG) elections, last held in G-B in 2004.

The communiqué has underscored the constitutional duty of the regional government to establish a local government system as enshrined in Article 114 of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Order, 2018.

Furthermore, he drew attention to the honorable G-B court's directive, instructing the government to announce the schedule for elections promptly. The election commissioner emphasised this by quoting the court's order: "The respondents are directed to announce the schedule of local government elections forthwith in compliance with the judgment of this court, dated April 20, 2021, and submit a compliance report on the next date of hearing."

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He said, “The commission has initiated preparations, including a comprehensive door-to-door verification of the voters' list, leading to the public display of a preliminary list in display centers to address discrepancies before finalization.”

The communiqué added that “to facilitate the electoral process, the Gilgit-Baltistan government implemented the G-B Local Government Act, 2014, on July 18, 2023.”

Despite the progress, the CEC notes delays in the passage of delimitation rules by the cabinet. This delay hampers the conduct of local government elections, as demarcation and other essential processes are contingent on the approval of these rules.

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Khan urged the chief secretary to include the LG polls issue in the upcoming cabinet meeting agenda to be chaired by the Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan.

These amendments would pave the way for the passage of delimitation rules, essential for the timely conduct of polls in G-B.

As the region eagerly awaits the establishment of local government, this plea from the CEC underscores the importance of prompt government action to fulfill the democratic aspirations of the people of Gilgit Baltistan.