Islami Tehreek Pakistan’s provincial president, Sheikh Mirza Ali, has urged the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan to immediately reconsider the schedule for the 2026-2031 provincial assembly elections, warning that the current timing could disenfranchise a majority of the region’s population.
Ali said on Monday that holding elections in the severe cold months of January and February would lead to a drastic drop in voter participation. He explained that a large number of residents migrate to warmer areas during this period, which would prevent them from exercising their right to vote and significantly reduce the prospect of robust elections.
In his appeal to the Chief Election Commissioner, the political leader argued that high voter turnout is the foundation of successful democratic societies, which are globally considered the most suitable form of social governance. He warned that low turnout would undermine the legitimacy of the election results.
He further stressed that the Election Commission’s mandate is not just to conduct elections but also to ensure maximum public participation, which includes running awareness campaigns to bring citizens to polling stations.
As a practical solution, Sheikh Mirza Ali, who is also the spokesperson for the Shia Ulema Council of Sindh Province, suggested that holding the elections after the month of Ramadan would yield better results. He maintained that this alternative timing would provide voters with the best opportunity to choose their candidates and lead to a more reasonable and representative turnout.