The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has raised serious concerns over the alleged non-provision of Form 45 to its polling agents during the ongoing Gilgit-Baltistan elections, urging the Election Commission to intervene immediately to ensure transparency in the electoral process. PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari stated that party representatives at several polling stations were reportedly instructed to leave without receiving Form 45, a crucial electoral document that records polling station-wise vote counts and is essential for verifying results. Bukhari confirmed that he has formally contacted the Chief Election Commissioner to bring the matter to attention, urging swift corrective action to prevent any confusion or mistrust regarding the election process.
Peaceful Environment at Risk
Bukhari noted that the Gilgit-Baltistan elections had otherwise been conducted in a peaceful environment and stressed that the situation should not be allowed to escalate at this stage. However, he warned that any irregularity in handling result documentation could undermine public confidence in the credibility of the vote. The PPP leader emphasized that timely issuance of Form 45 is a legal and procedural requirement designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and verifiability in elections. He added that denying or delaying access to these forms raises legitimate concerns among candidates, party workers, and voters alike. Calling on the Election Commission to act immediately, Bukhari said the institution must play its role in safeguarding electoral integrity and ensuring that polling agents receive all required documents in accordance with the law.
PPP Demands Immediate Corrective Measures
The PPP expects prompt corrective measures so that the electoral process remains transparent and its outcome is widely accepted without dispute. PPP leader Shazia Marri said the delayed release of results was “raising suspicions” and contributing to an atmosphere of uncertainty at a critical post-poll stage. She stated that any delay in providing Form 45 to party representatives was unacceptable and suggested that such administrative hurdles were being used to “contaminate” or “contend” the electoral process. According to her, attempts to withhold or delay key electoral documents were damaging the credibility of the vote count.
Allegations of Pre-Election Manipulation
Marri alleged that changes made ahead of the elections, including alterations in voter lists and relocation of polling stations, indicated what she termed a “planned effort to influence the electoral process.” She said such actions had created unnecessary confusion among voters and polling agents. Citing the example of Astore-II, she noted that the relocation of a polling station in Bonji to a remote mountainous area away from the roadside had effectively restricted access for voters. She described the move as an “assault on the right to vote,” arguing that it particularly affected women and thousands of voters who struggled to locate polling stations and access polling information.
Administrative Irregularities and Voter Hurdles
Marri stated that administrative irregularities and logistical difficulties had created significant hurdles for voters on polling day, especially in remote regions where accessibility is already limited. Reiterating her party’s position, she warned that any attempt to alter or manipulate election results, or to undermine the public mandate, would not be allowed to succeed. She said the PPP would strongly resist any effort to distort the outcome of the elections. The PPP spokesperson urged the Election Commission to fulfill its constitutional responsibility under Article 218 by ensuring the immediate and transparent release of results. She stressed that the Election Commission is constitutionally obligated to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections and safeguard the mandate of the people.
