Gilgit-Baltistan polls will take place on Sunday to elect a new regional government for a five-year term. The Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan said 396 candidates are contesting 24 direct seats in the Legislative Assembly.
The list includes 266 independent candidates and 130 candidates from national, regional and religio-political parties.
The assembly has 33 seats in total. Nine reserved seats will go to women and political appointees through proportional representation. Polling will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. across the region. A total of 963,034 voters are eligible to cast ballots.
A close contest is expected among Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party and independents backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
Read: Gilgit-Baltistan Elections: 403 Candidates Contest 24 Seats
PTI has accused the federal government of denying its candidates a level playing field. The federal government denies the allegation. Police and paramilitary troops have been deployed across the region to maintain order.
More than 450,000 women voters could influence the results in several constituencies. Gilgit-Baltistan is also a key route for the $64 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
