GILGIT: Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan has emphasized the significance of local government elections in resolving public issues and ensuring the transfer of powers to lower levels.
Addressing the closing ceremony of a three-day training workshop for officers regarding local government elections, the CM said that these elections are crucial for bringing new leadership to the forefront and empowering people at the grassroots level.
The CM expressed his commitment to holding local government elections, which have been delayed in Gilgit-Baltistan since 2004.
He praised the Chief Election Commissioner and Local Government Secretary for their efforts in completing the first phase of delimitation and assured the public that the current provincial government is dedicated to ensuring the holding of local government elections.
” Commitment of our government to local government elections is a significant step towards promoting decentralization, empowerment, and democratic governance in Gilgit-Baltistan, he added.
In 2023, in a significant development, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Gilgit-Baltistan had penned a letter to the chief secretary (CS), emphasising the need for holding local government elections in the region.
The letter, referencing his earlier communication, sheds light on the prolonged absence of local government (LG) elections, last held in G-B in 2004.The communiqué has underscored the constitutional duty of the regional government to establish a local government system as enshrined in Article 114 of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Order, 2018.
Furthermore, he drew attention to the honorable G-B court’s directive, instructing the government to announce the schedule for elections promptly. The election commissioner emphasised this by quoting the court’s order: “The respondents are directed to announce the schedule of local government elections forthwith in compliance with the judgment of this court, dated April 20, 2021, and submit a compliance report on the next date of hearing.”
He said, “The commission has initiated preparations, including a comprehensive door-to-door verification of the voters’ list, leading to the public display of a preliminary list in display centers to address discrepancies before finalization.”
The communiqué added that “to facilitate the electoral process, the Gilgit-Baltistan government implemented the G-B Local Government Act, 2014, on July 18, 2023.”
Despite the progress, the CEC notes delays in the passage of delimitation rules by the cabinet. This delay hampers the conduct of local government elections, as demarcation and other essential processes are contingent on the approval of these rules.
Khan urged the chief secretary to include the LG polls issue in the upcoming cabinet meeting agenda to be chaired by the Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan.These amendments would pave the way for the passage of delimitation rules, essential for the timely conduct of polls in G-B.
As the region eagerly awaits the establishment of local government, this plea from the CEC underscores the importance of prompt government action to fulfill the democratic aspirations of the people of Gilgit Baltistan.
