Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari supports holding elections simultaneously across the country to ensure genuine leadership and free voting, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed his support for conducting elections on the same day nationwide. According to an informed source within the party, Bilawal believes that holding elections in regions such as Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan on a different timeline distorts electoral outcomes and deprives these areas of true leadership representation.
A PPP leader, speaking anonymously to The, given consistent electoral victories for the PPP in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is pushing for simultaneous elections. He argued that this would allow voters from these regions to cast their ballots more freely without being influenced by the ruling party at the center.
Nadeem Afzal Chan, the PPP Information Secretary, acknowledged the sentiment but clarified that he was not privy to any internal discussions on this matter. He mentioned that the party leadership has opposed federal government interference in Gilgit-Baltistan elections, especially considering visits by the prime minister and federal ministers. Chan Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is expected to visit Gilgit-Baltistan after Eid.
A senior PPP leader and former governor of Gilgit-Baltistan also expressed support for aligning election dates nationwide. He regardless of which party is in power, the ruling party benefits from an undue advantage, undermining the integrity of the electoral process. The PPP has so far agreed to a one-seat adjustment with JUI-F in Darel.
Ahmad Bilal Mehboob, Chief of PILDAT, echoed these sentiments by supporting a "one nation, one election" approach. He argued that this would address not only the issue of influence over Gilgit-Baltistan or Kashmir but also reduce administrative and political disruptions caused by multiple elections.
Historically, election outcomes in Gilgit-Baltistan since 2009 have followed predictable patterns, with the party ruling at the center typically emerging as the governing force. During the PPP's tenure in Islamabad, it formed the government in G-B; this was followed by the PML-N during its federal rule and later the PTI when it held power.
The push for simultaneous elections is seen as a step towards ensuring fairer representation and reducing political interference in remote regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
