Election Battle Intensifies in Diamer as 66 Candidates Enter the Race

GILGIT (News Report) — Political activities in district Diamer have intensified ahead of the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, with a total of 66 candidates contesting across all four constituencies.
With the launch of election campaigns, political parties and independent candidates have accelerated public outreach efforts through rallies, corner meetings, and campaign events, creating a heated political atmosphere across the district.
Voter statistics and polling arrangements
According to official election data, the total population of Diamer district stands at 337,329, while the number of registered voters is 160,602. Among them, 82,529 are male voters and 78,073 are female voters.
To facilitate the electoral process, authorities have established 167 polling stations throughout the district. The district administration stated that all arrangements for transparent, fair, and peaceful elections have been finalized, with strict security measures also put in place.
Constituency-wise details
GBA-15 Diamer-I
A total of 26 candidates are contesting in GBA-15 Diamer-I, making it the most competitive constituency in the district. Fifty polling stations have been established for 46,179 registered voters, including 22,984 men and 23,195 women.
Political analysts expect a tough contest in the constituency.
GBA-16 Diamer-II
In GBA-16 Diamer-II, 15 candidates are participating in the election race. The constituency has 45 polling stations and 46,264 registered voters, including 24,343 male and 21,921 female voters.
GBA-17 Diamer-III
Fourteen candidates are contesting from GBA-17 Diamer-III, where 46 polling stations have been set up. The constituency has 41,260 voters, including 20,947 men and 20,313 women.
GBA-18 Diamer-IV
In GBA-18 Diamer-IV, 11 candidates are in the electoral field, while 26 polling stations have been established. The constituency has 26,899 voters, including 14,255 male and 12,644 female voters.
Election administration
The overall election process in the district is being supervised by District Returning Officer Lieutenant (Retired) Muhammad Owais Abbasi.
Captain (Retired) Muhammad Amir Tahseen, Additional Deputy Commissioner Diamer, has been appointed Returning Officer for GBA-15, while Assistant Commissioner Chilas Manzoor Ahmad Payam will oversee GBA-16. Hidayat, Deputy Director Local Government Diamer, has been assigned to GBA-17, and Iftikhar has been appointed Returning Officer for GBA-18.
Key election issues
Political observers believe close contests are expected in all four constituencies of Diamer this year. Public issues such as development projects, employment opportunities, education, healthcare, and basic civic facilities have emerged as central themes of the election campaign.