Gilgit-Baltistan Elections 2026 have entered a crucial phase after authorities released the final candidate list. A total of 403 candidates will contest elections for 24 seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. The figures show strong competition across the region. Meanwhile, independent candidates dominate the electoral field.
According to the Election Commission, 272 independent candidates will contest the elections. In comparison, 131 candidates will represent different political parties. Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians leads with 23 candidates. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz follows closely with 22 candidates.
Major Parties Intensify Campaign Activities
Several political parties have entered the electoral race with sizeable candidate lists. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party has fielded 15 candidates. Pakistan Muslim League has nominated 11 candidates. Additionally, Islami Tehreek Pakistan and Pakistan Nazriyati Party have each nominated 10 candidates.
Furthermore, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam has fielded nine candidates. Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen has entered seven candidates. Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement have nominated six candidates each. Meanwhile, Awami Workers Party is represented by four candidates.
Women’s Participation Remains Limited
Constituency data highlights varying levels of competition across Gilgit-Baltistan. GBA-2 Gilgit-II has attracted the highest number of candidates. A total of 40 contestants will compete for the seat. Similarly, GBA-14 Astore-II has 33 candidates in the race.
In contrast, GBA-24 Ghanche-III has the lowest number of candidates. Only six contestants will compete for that constituency. The figures also reveal limited female participation. Out of 403 candidates, only eight are women.
Five women are contesting as independents. The remaining candidates represent political parties. Gilgit-Baltistan Elections 2026 campaigns have now accelerated, while candidates intensify voter outreach efforts across the region.
