ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Wednesday alleged that fear of electoral defeat had driven political opponents in Gilgit-Baltistan to resort to pre-poll rigging ahead of the upcoming elections. The party warned that attempts to manipulate the electoral process posed a serious threat to democratic norms.
Allegations of Interference
In a statement, PPP leader Shazia Marri said the rising popularity of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Gilgit-Baltistan had unsettled rival political forces, prompting efforts to influence the electoral process before polling day. She claimed that reports of interference and irregularities were being received from various constituencies. Administrative officers were being transferred in some areas, while changes to voter lists had also emerged, she alleged.
Demand for Fair Elections
Marri stressed that the PPP was demanding free, fair, and impartial elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and called upon the authorities to ensure complete transparency throughout the electoral process. She said attempts to make the election process controversial were against democratic values and expressed concern over reports suggesting the use of official machinery to influence election outcomes. Such allegations, she said, were deeply troubling and required immediate scrutiny.
Protecting the Public Mandate
She emphasized that the mandate of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan must be protected at all costs and warned that any attempt to influence public opinion through administrative means would not be accepted. Questioning the participation of federal ministers in election campaigning, Marri said their active involvement had raised concerns regarding the transparency and neutrality of the electoral process.
Role of Election Commission
She urged the Chief Election Commissioner to explain what measures had been taken so far to ensure an impartial election, noting that under Article 218 of the Constitution, the Election Commission is responsible for conducting transparent, fair, and honest elections. The PPP leader also raised concerns over the reported presence of Punjab Police personnel in Gilgit-Baltistan during the election period, saying the development had given rise to several questions.
Call for Level Playing Field
Marri called on the Election Commission to take immediate notice of all complaints relating to the alleged use of state resources and to provide a level playing field to all political parties participating in the elections. She maintained that any attempt to undermine the public mandate would be contrary to democratic principles and expressed confidence that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would use the power of their vote to support democratic forces and safeguard their democratic rights.
