Gilgit-Baltistan elections

[SSGPA1]

I am starting this thread to dscuss the Gilgit-Baltistan elections on November 12, 2009.

Unfortunately, the ECP has no info at their website for these elections, therefore, I am quoting news from news sources, starting with local papers first.

Please don't discuss why Gilgit-Baltistan were made out of Nothern Areas as this is now past and majority of the political parties were in favour.

http://moinansari.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/gilgit-baltistan.jpg

Islamabad : A total of 264 candidates are contesting for 24 seats of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, reports Samaa news Thursday. In the Nov 12 elections, there are 23 candidates contesting from PPP, 20 from MQM, 14 from PML-N, 14 from PML-Q, 6 from Jamiat-e Ulema-e Islam, 3 from Jamaat-e Islami, 10 from the Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Alliance, 4 from the ANP and 2 from TIP and 2 from Balawaristan National Front.According to the election commission, there are 166 independent candidates in the field.The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raheem Durrani said that law-enforcement agencies have been called for maintaining law and order in the region. After the death of the constituency LA-19 candidate Sher Bahadur, MQM now has 19 candidates.

By Naeem Kamal

264 candidates contesting Gilgit-Baltistan elections :: Welcome to Hunzatimes

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PM to address Gilgit-Baltistan election rally on 10th Nov

ISLAMABAD : PM Yousuf Raza Gilani has announced to address Gilgit-Baltistan election gathering on 10th Nov.

The PM would be arriving in Gilgit in this connection on 10th Nov, to address the last election rally here.

According to a private TV Channel, PM would arrive in Gilgit stadium in late afternoon, whence he would also be announcing developmental projects for the region.

He would also be meeting various delegations during his stay in Gilgit.

ONLINE - International News Network

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Ch. Shujaat leads party delegation to Gilgit-Baltistan today
ISLAMABAD: PML-Q delegation in heading of party Chief Ch. Shujaat Hussain will leave for Gilgit-Baltistan today (Saturday) regarding election campaign for their party candidates.

According to private TV channel report PML-Q has nominated its party candidates for the ongoing elections in Gilgit-Baltistan likely to be held on 12th November 2009 and regarding to initiate election campaign for the party candidates PML-Q chief Ch. Shujaat Hussain will leave for Gilgit-Baltistan today (Saturday).

During his visit to Gilgit-Baltistan Ch. Shujaat Hussain will address public gatherings to enhance electoral bank for his party candidates.

ONLINE - International News Network

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Nawaz vows to resolve Gilgit-Baltistan problems

PML(N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif Thursday said he calls spade a spade without mincing the matter to deceive others. He was addressing a public gathering in Ghanchay area of Gilgit-Baltistan, said the day is not too far when the Kashmir issue would be resolved. Nawaz urged the people to make success possible for election symbol of ‘Lion’ — his party symbol for elections. On this occasion, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Opposition leader in the National Assembly and Central leader of the PML(N) Ch Nisar Ali Khan and Sardar Mehtab Abbasi were also present.

Nawaz vows to resolve Gilgit-Baltistan problems | Pakistan | News | Newspaper | Daily | English | Online

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MQM against politics of inheritance

Updated at: 1640 PST, Thursday, November 05, 2009
SKARDU: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain Thursday said the flag of the party is in the air from Karachi to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Addressing the election rally held here, he said in his telephonic speech that Muttahida is the only party, which is opposed to the current political culture, feudal and capitalistic system prevalent in the country.
He urged the youth and the elderly of Gilgit-Baltistan to eagerly take part in the election.

MQM against politics of inheritance - GEO.tv

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I couldn't find anything on ANP and PTI but I know they are taking parts in elections.

 

[SSGPA1]

Number of candidates from each party:

PPPP: 23
MQM: 19
PML-N: 14
PML-Q: 14
JUI: 6
JI: 3
GBDA: 10
ANP: 4
TIP: 2
BNF: 2
INDEPENDENT: 166

24 seats of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.

I am really surprised to see ANP and TIP (PTI) contesting few seats. MQM is very active along with the PPPP, who are the main competitors.

IMHO, my forecast of the outcome:

PPPP: 7
MQM: 4
PML-N: 5
PML-Q: 1
GBDA: 2
JUI: 1
ANP: 1
IND: 3

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

Gilgit-Baltistan electioneering enters decisive phase​

Sunday, November 08, 2009

By Raja Zafar Ali Khan

GILGIT: As the date of elections for the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly is approaching, electioneering has entered a decisive phase. The people of the area would directly choose 24 members to the prospective assembly on November 12.

All the mainstream political parties, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Alliance (GBDA), the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) and even the Awami National Party (ANP) have fielded their candidates. A large number of independent and nationalist candidates are also contesting the polls.

The PPP has nominated 23 candidates, the PML-N 15, the PML-Q 14, the MQM 21, the GBDA 10, the PTI two and the JI has issued tickets to two candidates.

This time polls would be held under different circumstances, as the government has enacted the Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009, under which the GBLA will have its own chief minister and the assembly would make its own budget, having powers to legislate on 61 subjects. However, the critics are sceptical of the package, calling it a political gimmick, which vests all the power in the governor, an “outsider”. Critics also contend that the so-called package does not bestow any political and constitutional rights on the people of the area. They would not have any representation in the National Assembly and the Senate.

As such, many consider these constitutional reforms merely cosmetic. They contend that they are still stuck at square one, because all along, their struggle has been for representation in the federal legislature in Islamabad.

They say that the government has once again linked the fate of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, despite the fact that the local leadership of Gilgit-Baltistan revolted against the Dogra rule in 1947 and expelled the Dogra governor, Gansara Singh, from the area, and later unconditionally announced accession to Pakistan. The government of Pakistan and the leadership of Azad Kashmir, under the so-called ìKarachi Agreementî, linked their constitutional rights to the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan has announced a total of 1,033 polling stations, including 311 in Gilgit; 128 in Ghizer; 274 in Skardu; 144 in Ganche; 95 in Diamer and 81 in Astor districts.

A total of 4,15,000 male and 3,30,000 female voters will cast votes.

The ruling PPP will have tough time winning majority seats in the election as many party loyalists have been ignored in awarding tickets and many of ardent party supporters have deserted the party like mice leaving a sinking boat.

PPP ticket-holders are facing fierce challenges at every constituency including GBLA-1, Skardu, where PPP Gilgit-Baltistan President Syed Mehdi is facing Fida Muhammed Nashad of the PML-N. The contest between the two is expected to be fierce and both the parties have a win-win situation. Similarly, in GBLA-2, Skardu, PPP’s Sheikh Nisar Sarbaz will face MQM’s Nisar Khan and other independent candidates, who are going to give the PPP a tough time. Another important constituency, GBLA-3, Skardu, the contest will be among PPP’s Wazir Shakeel, Advocate, PML-N’s Fida Muhammed Nashad and MQM’s Gulam Raza Haidari.

Contrary to the last election, this time the PML-N has regained its ground as partyís bigwigs including Fida Muhammed Nashad from Baltistan, Mir Gazanfer from Hunza and Janbaz from Chilas, who had deserted the party and joined the PML-Q, have rejoined the party and the PML-N is in a position to win a fair number of seats.

The MQM is a new entrant in the politics of Gilgit-Baltistan and has made significant inroads even in the far-flung areas, and the youths are more inclined towards the party. The MQM leader Altaf Hussain addresses almost every meeting of the party telephonically on a daily basis, and the people are much impressed by his affinity with the area. The MQM’s entry into the politics of Gilgit-Baltistan has also contributed in weakening the PPP even in its strongholds.

MQM Parliamentary Leader Haider Abbas Rizvi claimed that the MQM will emerge as the largest party in Gilgit-Baltistan.

In GBLA-4, Skardu, PPP’s Wazir Hassan, PML’s M Sikandar and independent candidate Raja Maqpoon Khan are in the field. In constituency GBLA-6, Shigar, Raja Azam Khan of the MQM and Imran Nadeem Shigri of the PPP are in the field and the contest will be a pitched battle in this constituency as the MQM candidate has the backing of majority of the youths, whereas the PML-N has announced to support the PPP candidate. However, both the candidates are claiming victory in the polls. The party workers are highly charged and they may resort to violence in case enough security was not put in place.

In GBLA, Gilgit-1, independent candidate Raziuddin Razi, PML-N’s Jafarullah, PPP’s Muhammed Musa and PML’s Abdul Wahid are in the field. In this constituency, voters are mostly divided along religious lines. Razi has the backing of all the Shia religious parties and Jafarullah has the backing of Sunnis, and the Mufti of the central mosque has asked his co-religionist to support him.

In GBLA, Gilgit-2, PML-N’s Hafiz Heezu-Rehman, PML-Q M Aslam Khan Advocate, Jamil Ahmed of PPP and others are in the field. However, Hafiz has an edge over other candidates in this constituency.

In GBLA-19, Ghizer-1, PPP veteran candidate Pir Karam Ali Shah is facing Balawaristan National Front (BNF) leader Nawaz Khan Naji, independent candidates including Raja Karim Khan and Mir Wazir. The boat of Pir Karam Ali Shah seems sinking as the area people, especially the youth, have started looking to other candidates. However, the PPP candidate is adept at manoeuvering and may succeed in convincing the people to vote for him. In GBLA, Ghizer-3, Yasin, PPP’s General Secretary Gulam Muhammad is facing independent candidates including Raja Jahanzeb, Muhammed Ayub; BNF candidate Mehboob Ali Shah and PML-N candidate Javed Iqbal. The PPP candidate has tough time in this constituency and the main contest is expected to be held among Raja Jahanzeb, Muhammed Ayub and Gulam Muhammed. In GBLA-19, Ghizer-2, Sultan Madad of the PML-N, Ali Madad Sher of the PPP, Sarfaraz Shah (independent) are in the field. In this constituency, Sultan Madad and Sarfaraz Shah are strong candidates.

In the Hunza-Gojal constituency, Prince Shehryar of PML-N, Wazir Beig of the PPP and independent candidate Raja Shahbaz, Kamil Jan of MQM are the main contestants. Mir Gazanfar after deserting PML-Q rejoined the PML-N and fielded his son (Prince Shehryar) as he (Gazanfar) was debarred from contesting election after being declared defaulter.

In GBLA-2, Diamer, Haji Abdul Quddus, Janbaz of PML-N, M Mir Jan and four others are in the field. Janbaz and Quddus are considered to be favourites in this constituency.

Gilgit-Baltistan electioneering enters decisive phase

 

[SSGPA1]

The ruling PPP will have tough time winning majority seats in the election as many party loyalists have been ignored in awarding tickets and many of ardent party supporters have deserted the party like mice leaving a sinking boat.

From the assesment of the Jang Group it seems that PPPP should not even field candidates but I guess PPPP understands the worth of this analysis.

Such analysis are supported by the opposition to form the platform for their claims of poll riging.

PML-N has 14 candidates and PTI has 2 candidates and both parties oppose action against Taliban so their chances of doing well are very low.

With this analysis they can claim that polls were rigged as the media also forecasted their success.

 

[SSGPA1]

Musharraf’s face on Gilgit-Baltistan ‘Q’ candidates’ posters

* Chaudhry Shujaat annoyed, asks Marvi Memon to replace posters

By Irfan Bukhari

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) candidates in Gilgit-Baltistan have got the images of former president Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf printed on their election posters.

Sources told Daily Times that PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain had learnt through TV coverage of PML-Q candidates’ election campaign that there were huge pictures of the former president on their official posters.

They said the party president took strict notice of the situation and asked PML-Q Northern Areas President Marvi Memon to replace the posters, as the former president had no position or role in the party. The sources said Shujaat was annoyed to see that the posters carried photos of Musharraf, Marvi and her father Nisar Memon, but not of Shujaat.

“The PML-Q central command has felt that it is a conspiracy to sideline them from the election process in Gilgit-Baltistan, while Marvi and her father want to get all the credit for political affairs in that area,” a source said.

Another credible source within the PML-Q said Marvi, in her election speeches, had been giving credit to Musharraf for all the development works in Gilgit-Baltistan. The source said Shujaat had sent a fresh stock of posters, carrying his pictures, to replace the ‘older ones’.

Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan

 

[SSGPA1]

We would not abandon our benefactor’​

Tom Hussain, Foreign Correspondent

KARIMABAD, PAKISTAN // Chants rang across a polo ground in the hamlet of Karimabad, the capital of the idyllic valley of Hunza, Pakistan’s northernmost district and the likely setting for the mythical kingdom of Shangri-La.

With elections beckoning on Thursday in Gilgit-Baltistan, a sparsely populated region of former valley kingdoms nestled between Asia’s mighty Himalaya, Karakorum and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, hundreds of ethnic Hunzakut villagers had gathered on November 4 to voice support for their favoured politician.


“We were with you yesterday! We are still with you today!”, they shouted. But Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s former president, the man they were calling to, was there only in spirit, his beaming portrait adorning dozens of posters and banners, beckoning to the attentive, well-behaved crowd with his military salute.

Reviled elsewhere in the country after eight years of unpopular military rule, culminating in his resignation in August 2008, he had departed Pakistan in July, ostensibly on a lecture tour of the West, and is now living in virtual exile in London.

He has vowed to return home “when the time is right”, but such bravado masks genuine fears that he could be sent to the gallows if he does – either for the 2006 killing in a military operation of Nawab Akbar Bugti, an insurgent Baloch tribal politician, or for staging the 1999 coup that brought him to power, an act of high treason according to a Supreme Court verdict delivered on July 31.

However, Mr Musharraf may, one day, find a home in Hunza where popular sentiment, as in the rest of Gilgit-Baltistan, is swayed by sectarian, ethnic and clan loyalties.

The region has evolved independently from the Pakistani hinterland, to which it is linked by a single road, the 1,300km Karakorum Highway, a stunning feat of engineering that took Chinese and Pakistani army engineers 12 years to build and was completed only in May 1978.

As an army officer who specialised in military strategy, Mr Musharraf recognised the geopolitical importance of Gilgit-Baltistan, which shares borders with China to the north, India to the east and Afghanistan to the west – something that made it a flashpoint of the “Great Game” in central Asia contested by czarist Russia and the British empire in the late 19th century.

To that end, Mr Musharraf wooed the people of the region with speeches in the native Shina and Burushaski languages, read from Roman scripts, gave legislative powers to the region’s elected assembly and held party-based elections.

He funded development projects, including the region’s first university, new motorways and power plants.

And, perhaps most importantly for the estimated 60,000 residents of Hunza, practically all of who are members of the Ismaili sect, followers of the Aga Khan, and fearful of militant Sunnis, he took on the Taliban.


“He is a man who delivered on the promises he made to us, and we are not so dishonourable that we would abandon our mohsin [benefactor],” said Karim Beg, a 24-year-old shopkeeper of Hyderabad village, speaking among chants of “Long live, President Musharraf!”

That sentiment may yet determine the outcome of the Hunza seat, but the symbolic vindication of a victory by Rai Rehmatullah Beg, the pro-Musharraf candidate, would still be tainted with irony.


Mr Beg is contesting as the nominated candidate of the Quaid faction of the Pakistan Muslim League, a party cobbled together by Mr Musharraf largely with the help of deserters from popular political parties before national elections in 2002.

However, after Mr Musharraf stepped down, the faction split in two, with the larger group, which is contesting the Gilgit-Baltistan election under the Quaid League banner, distancing itself from the former president in an attempt to gain political credibility.

That has not gone down well with voters in Hunza, whose loyalty to the Pakistan Muslim League predates the independence of Pakistan in 1947 because of the involvement of Sir Sultan Mohammed Shah, the then Aga Khan, in politicking to create a separate homeland for the Muslims of British-ruled India.

During the Karimabad rally, local politicians and the audience mocked unnamed politicians, calling them “selfish opportunists”, for abandoning Mr Musharraf with chanted pledges of loyalty for the former president.

Marvi Memon, the member of the federal parliament running the Quaid League campaign for the this week’s elections in Gilgit-Batistan, said the voters’ adverse reaction was a “wake-up call” for politicians who had vilified Mr Musharraf.

“I think this has proved that support for Mr Musharraf continues in many parts of Pakistan,” she said.

“Certain elements were responsible for creating a gulf between our party and Mr Musharraf.

“I am confident that, one day not too far from now, the party will realise it was hoodwinked, and will reunite with Mr Musharraf and emerge as a stronger political force than ever.”

‘We would not abandon our benefactor’ - The National Newspaper

 

[Absar]

I think PML-N will get the most of the seats, perhaps near to 10. I just got this hunch. Let's see what happens on 12th.

 

[SSGPA1]

SKARDU: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has assured free and fair elections in Gilgit-Baltistan as polls are all set to begin on November 12.

While addressing a public gathering in Skardu, the premier promised various emoluments and developmental work to those working in the region.

Gilani said that the government has already released 10 billion rupees for the uplift of Skardu.

He pledged to improve security situation in the region and says that upto 5,000 more people will be inducted in the police force.

He said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will have their own representatives after the upcoming elections.

DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Gilani assures fair elections in Gilgit-Baltistan

 

[SSGPA1]

I think PML-N will get the most of the seats, perhaps near to 10. I just got this hunch. Let's see what happens on 12th.

10 is a very high number when they are only contesting 14 seats.

I think they will win 5 or 6 because Gilgit-Baltisitan has pockets of NS supporters but majority of the people are either Shia or Ismailis who will not form the vote bank of NS.

Also keep in mind that JI, PTI and JUI will be looking to votes from the same vote bank. this means that PML-N votes will be divided.

It would have helped all of these guys to form an allaince ONLY for this area but I think Imran Khan is now trying to change his impression of a NS man.

 

[SSGPA1]

No fear of rigging in Gilgit-Baltistan polls: Fazl

GILGIT: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman has said that so far there is no fear of rigging in Gilgit-Baltistan elections.

Talking to media at a local hotel here on Wednesday, the JUI Chief said the reforms package introduced for Gilgit-Baltistan will have no impact on the Kashmir issue because ‘it is not a province, it is only a province like set up.’

He said it would not be advisable for the government to announce any kind of package during the elections, as it can affect the position of the candidates.

No fear of rigging in Gilgit-Baltistan polls: Fazl

 

[SSGPA1]

MQM eyes 6 to 7 seats in GB Assembly

KARACHI - Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which is contesting election of Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly, has confident that the party would be the second largest party in the legislative assembly in the election scheduled to be held on November 12.

A party office bearer, running the MQM’s election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan, told The Nation that the MQM is confident to obtain at least six to seven seats of legislative assembly from the area.
Though, this is the first time that MQM is participating in the Gilgit-Baltistan election but the party is willing to get sufficient position in the upcoming election of the legislative assembly. MQM Rabita Committee office bearers, party legislators, workers, and MQM Ulema Committee representatives were present in the area had launched most effective campaign for contesting the election working with full motivation to secure six to seven seats in the legislative assembly, a member of the Rabita committee said.

A party legislator, running the electoral campaign of MQM in Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly, MPA Raza Haider told The Nation that, however, this was the first election of MQM for the legislative assembly but his party position was much better position in various areas as compare to others, where the party candidates were in very strong position including Raja Muhammad Zakaria from GBLA-7 of Skardu-1, Ghulam Rasool from GBLA-10 of Skardu-4, Raja Azam Khan from GBLA-12 of Sskardu-6, Captain (retd) Hadi Hussain from GBLA-3 of Gilgit City-3, Kamil Jan from GBLA-6 of Hunza Nagar-3, Shah Jahan Ghazari from GBLA-20 Ghazar-2, and Zahir Shah advocate from GBLA-21 Ghazar-3.

He said that MQM was the second largest party in the election, which nominates 19 contenders form GB legislative assembly adding that massive electoral campaign and the support of masses shows the popularity of the MQM that the party would easily get the large number of seats from the area.

MQM eyes 6 to 7 seats in GB Assembly | Pakistan | News | Newspaper | Daily | English | Online

 

[Absar]

10 is a very high number when they are only contesting 14 seats.

I think they will win 5 or 6 because Gilgit-Baltisitan has pockets of NS supporters but majority of the people are either Shia or Ismailis who will not form the vote bank of NS.

Also keep in mind that JI, PTI and JUI will be looking to votes from the same vote bank. this means that PML-N votes will be divided.

It would have helped all of these guys to form an allaince ONLY for this area but I think Imran Khan is now trying to change his impression of a NS man.

Let's see what happens tomorrow. Whoever wins or looses, I just wish to see prosperity there. These politicians have already ruined other parts of Pakistan.

I didn't get your comments about IK.

 

[SSGPA1]

ANP to get maximum seats in GB election: Information Minister
PESHAWAR, Nov 10 (APP): The NWFP Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain said Tuesday the response of people of Gilgit Baltistan towards ANP in the upcoming general elections was very encouraging and hoped that all its candidates in the November 12 Elections of Gilgit Baltistan will succeed with thumbing majority.

He announced that in future ANP will contest from all the 24-constituties of Gilgat Baltistan.

This, he stated, while addressing an electioneering campaign of ANP candidate from District Diameer GB-15 Ashiqullah at Goner Farms, Diameer District.

Complete story here:

Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - ANP to get maximum seats in GB election: Information Minister

 

[SSGPA1]

ANP to get maximum seats in GB election: Information Minister

This is the worst form of misguidance. ANP has only 4 candidates so I don't know how they will get majority.

Probably he is expecting independents to win a lot of seats and then supporting ANP but this shouldn't have been back up to such a claim

 

[Absar]

ANP to get maximum seats in GB election: Information Minister
PESHAWAR, Nov 10 (APP): The NWFP Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain said Tuesday the response of people of Gilgit Baltistan towards ANP in the upcoming general elections was very encouraging and hoped that all its candidates in the November 12 Elections of Gilgit Baltistan will succeed with thumbing majority.

He announced that in future ANP will contest from all the 24-constituties of Gilgat Baltistan.

This, he stated, while addressing an electioneering campaign of ANP candidate from District Diameer GB-15 Ashiqullah at Goner Farms, Diameer District.

Complete story here:

Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - ANP to get maximum seats in GB election: Information Minister

ANP is contesting for 4 seats only, yet dreaming to get maximum seats in Elections. Such a comical statement