PTI alleges election fraud in Britain polls

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday strongly condemned what it termed massive electoral irregularities, manipulation of results and misuse of state machinery in several constituencies during the Gilgit-Baltistan elections held on Sunday.

In a statement released by its central media department on The party also claimed that some ballot boxes contained between 700 and 800 votes, raising serious questions about transparency.

The PTI further claimed that its polling agents were denied Form 45, calling it a violation of electoral laws and saying it reinforced concerns over falsification of results. The party added that reports from Nagar and other areas suggested recovery of fake ballot papers from individuals affiliated with rival parties, while some suspects were reportedly arrested red-handed in the early hours of the day.

According to PTI, the alleged irregularities were not limited to polling day but were part of pre-poll rigging, including changes to voter lists, duplication of voter registrations at different polling stations, alleged police and administrative interference in constituency boundaries and voting arrangements, and harassment of candidates and party members.

The party said the incidents reflected attempts to undermine the public mandate. The PTI warned that it would pursue all constitutional, legal and democratic options to protect the rights of its voters in the event of a change in the election results.

He demanded the immediate publication of verified results from all polling stations, the provision of Forms 45 and 46 to all candidates without delay, as well as an independent investigation into suspect polling stations, as well as action against those responsible. He also urged the Electoral Commission to ensure full transparency and discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

The PTI reiterated that it would continue to defend the mandate of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and oppose any attempt to influence the outcome of the elections.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, congratulated the British people on the successful conduct of what he described as “transparent, peaceful and politically dynamic elections”.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) emerged as the leading political party in the elections and deserved congratulations. He also congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for the result.

Prime Minister Shehbaz further congratulated the successful candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying they had mounted a strong election campaign and lauding their campaign efforts. He congratulated all successful candidates across Britain, stressing that their success reflected public confidence.

The Prime Minister appreciated the active participation of the British people in the democratic process, saying that their engagement strengthened democratic traditions in the region. He said peaceful and transparent elections were the true hallmark of democracy and commended the Election Commission for ensuring free and fair polls.

He also praised the role of law enforcement, saying the police and other security institutions played an important role in maintaining peace during the electoral process and deserved appreciation for their performance.

Voting across Britain took place peacefully on Sunday. Voting began at 8 a.m. and continued uninterrupted until 5 p.m. in all constituencies. Election day took place without major disruption, with voters coming in significant numbers to polling stations across the region.

Learn more: The PPP quickly takes the lead in the polls in Great Britain

According to unofficial and incomplete results, the PPP is leading with 11 of the 24 seats, followed by the PML-N with five seats. The PTI was leading in three constituencies, while its ally Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen was leading in one seat. Independent candidates are currently leading in two constituencies.

However, almost 22 hours after polling closed, no official results have been announced, raising concerns about the delay in the official declaration of results.

According to official figures, there are 963,000 registered voters in Britain, including 506,000 men and 456,000 women. A total of 1,391 polling stations were opened, where a high turnout was seen, with considerable participation of women as well.

More than 12 political parties, alongside independent candidates, ran in the elections. A total of 396 male candidates and eight female candidates took part in the contest, highlighting a competitive electoral field in the region. The fight between the PPP and the PML-N was particularly followed.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly has 33 seats. Among them, 24 are filled by direct suffrage, while six seats are reserved for women and three for technocrats. A simple majority of 17 seats is required for a party or alliance to form the government.