Close PPP-IPP contest in Diamer repoll today

All preparations are in place for a repolling event at three polling stations in Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly constituency GBA-16 Diamer-II on Sunday, with a closely contested race anticipated between PPP candidate Attaullah Shah and IPP candidate Imam Malik. The PML-N has formed a strategic alliance with IPP candidate Imam Malik, while supporters of Attaullah Shah have demonstrated outside the Diamer Deputy Commissioner’s Office, claiming biased presiding officers have been appointed at the polling stations.

On the 6th of November, GB Election Tribunal Judge Mushtaq Mohammad removed the membership of PPP lawmaker Attaullah Shah from GBA-16 Diamer-II and ordered a repolling at three polling stations. Shah subsequently contested the tribunal's decision before a GB Chief Court bench, which confirmed the tribunal's decision and stated it could be challenged in the GB Supreme Appellate Court. However, due to the GB Supreme Appellate Court judge being abroad, the appeal remained unresolved.

Following the election tribunal's directive, the GB Chief Election Commissioner set the repolling date for the 15th of November. The GB Election Commission has finalized all arrangements, with over 400 police and GB Scouts personnel deployed to maintain a peaceful polling environment. A notification issued on Saturday informed that the GB Chief Election Commissioner, Raja Shahbaz Khan, authorized the presiding officers of the three polling stations to act as First-Class Magistrates.

Retired Lt Col Muhammad Owais Abbasi, as District Returning Officer, and Deputy Commissioner Diamer Lt Col Muhammad Owais Abbasi, along with GB Scouts Sector Commander Col Adnan, GB Scouts Wing Commander Bilal Azam, and Diamer SSP Muhammad Ayaz, visited the three polling stations in Thor, Sarri, and Gichi. They inspected the polling station buildings and other facilities, reviewing security arrangements and ensuring a smooth voting process.

A total of 2,780 registered voters, including two women-only polling stations and one combined polling station, will cast their votes at these stations. The polling session will commence at 8 am and conclude at 5 pm, allowing any voters present at the end of the voting period to cast their ballots.