Gilgit-Baltistan elections to be held on August 18

GILGIT: The general elections to the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Legislative Assembly would be held on August 18, a statement from the President House said on Saturday.

“President Dr Arif Alvi [has] approved August 18, 2020 as the "Poll Day" for General Elections to Gilgit -Baltistan (GB) Legislative Assembly,” read the statement.

The GBLA was dissolved on June 24 after completion of its statutory term of five years and according to the rules, next general elections for the assembly should be held within 60 days from the said date.

The Election Commission GB is responsible for conducting elections in 24 constituencies of the region, it said.

Last month, a presidential order was promulgated to form a caretaker government and for extension of the Elections Act 2017 to Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, “Gilgit-Baltistan Election and Caretaker Amendment Order, 2020”, was issued to ensure holding of transparent elections in the region.

The presidential order said it was necessary to provide for adaption of laws to install a caretaker government in GB for conducting a fair and transparent election. It is expedient to amend the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 SRO number 704 (1), 2018.

The presidential order inserted a new Article, “48-A”, under which all rules and regulations as are enforced in Pakistan would be adopted in the territory of Gilgit-Baltistan.