Different opinions are emerging in public circles ahead of the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, but most of the people know that who control the federal government will definitely win the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
While many voters are citing development and employment as the criteria for voting, some believe that the role of the “government machinery” in the electoral arena can also affect the results. In informal conversations at the local level, the impression emerges that candidates who will be supported by administrative and government resources will be in a better position to campaign and reach out to voters.
“We have seen in the past that whoever has the government machinery standing by him, his campaign runs faster. Posters, rallies, vehicles – everything becomes easier. But ultimately, the people will vote,” Inayat Khan from Diamer told Pakhtun Digital.
Zubair Ahmed from Gilgit said, “The playing field should be level. If all candidates get equal opportunities, then the real public representative will emerge. Wherever the machinery is on one side, the people’s hearts can also go the other way.
Sohail Khan from Skardu expressed hope that things are now changing because of social media and young voters. are changing. Now not only machinery, but also performance and credibility bring votes.”
The Election Commission of Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan have a clear position that the elections will be held transparently and impartially. Strict action has been announced for violation of the code of conduct. It is the constitutional responsibility of the ECP to give equal opportunity to all candidates.
According to political observers, three factors have always been important in GB politics: one is the personal reputation of the local candidate, the second is tribal alliance, and the third is election campaign resources.
The impression of “government machinery” is not old, and it has been proven in past bye-elections that PML-N snatched away the seats of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
