Tight Race in Diamer as Repolling Takes Place for GBA-16 Constituency

GILGIT: Repolling at three polling stations in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly constituency GBA-16 Diamer-II is set to take place today, with a closely contested race anticipated between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Attaullah Shah and Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidate Imam Malik.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has formed an alliance with IPP candidate Imam Malik, intensifying the competition. Meanwhile, supporters of Attaullah Shah have staged a sit-in outside the Diamer Deputy Commissioner’s Office, alleging that biased presiding officers have been appointed at the polling stations, which could affect the fairness of the election.

This repolling follows a decision by the GB Election Tribunal, which on November 6 suspended the membership of PPP lawmaker Attaullah Shah from GBA-16 Diamer-II and mandated the repolling. Shah subsequently challenged this ruling in the GB Chief Court, but the court upheld the tribunal’s decision, allowing for the possibility of an appeal to the GB Supreme Appellate Court.

The outcome of today’s repolling is crucial, as it will determine the political landscape in the region and could have significant implications for the upcoming elections. Observers are keenly watching the developments, and the results are expected to be announced shortly after the polls close.