GILGIT: Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region will hold municipal corporation elections in Gilgit, Skardu and Chilas on December 5, 2026, under a revised schedule announced by the regional election commission, paving the way for voters in the three cities to elect local representatives after adjustments to the electoral timetable.
Gilgit Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan announces local government elections in municipal corporations of Gilgit Skardu and Chilas on December 5 2026 Phase two for remaining seven GB districts will take place in April 2027 https://t.co/MgqgEPzpk5
— Sara Balti (@sarahbalti35283) October 21, 2026
According to an official notification issued by Chief Election Commissioner Raja Shahbaz Khan, candidates can submit their nomination papers from October 26 to 29.
Election schedule and key deadlines
Speaking at a press conference, Khan said 15% of seats had been reserved for women, minorities and persons with disabilities to promote representation in local government.
The commission has set October 30 for publishing the list of candidates, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from October 31 to November 2.
گلگت بلتستان بلدیاتی انتخابات شیڈول جاری!
چیف الیکشن کمشنر گلگت بلتستان راجہ شہباز خان نے گلگت بلتستان میں بلدیاتی انتخابات کے پہلے مرحلے میں گلگت، اسکردو اور چلاس میونسپل کارپوریشنز کا انتخابی شیڈول جاری کردیا ہے۔شیڈول کے مطابق 5 دسمبر 2026ء کو پولنگ ہوگی، 24 اکتوبر کو پبلک نوٹس جاری اور 26 سے 29 اکتوبر تک کاغذات نامزدگی جمع اور 13 نومبر 2026ء کو امیدواروں کی حتمی فہرست جاری ہوگی۔
#گلگت_بلتستان_بلدیاتی_انتخابات2026ء
#GilgitBaltistanLG_Electronics2026
#FirstPhase
@GBTourism_ @GBTourism_E @majidsnizami @ShabbirMir @Rohshan_Din @CMGBPK @amjadhussainaza— Abdul Jabbar Nasir (عبدالجبارناصر) (@ajnasir) October 23, 2026
Candidates will be able to file appeals against returning officers’ decisions on November 3 and 4. The relevant authorities will decide the appeals between November 5 and 10, followed by publication of the revised candidates’ list on November 11.
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Candidates can withdraw their nominations on November 12. The commission will allot election symbols and publish the final list of candidates on November 13.
Remaining local government elections in April 2027
The election commission said polls for the remaining tiers of local government, including district councils, union councils and municipal committees, are scheduled for April 2027.
The revised timetable takes into account harsh winter conditions, security arrangements during religious events and amendments to the Gilgit-Baltistan Local Government Act, according to the notification.
Read Also: Sweltering 48.5°C Heat Shatters Record in Pakistan’s Coolest Gilgit Baltistan Region
The December elections will give voters in Gilgit, Skardu and Chilas an opportunity to choose representatives responsible for addressing local civic concerns and overseeing municipal services.
The elected representatives are expected to play a key role in addressing urban challenges, improving municipal administration and responding to residents’ needs.
