THE elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, held on November 12, amid the charge of pre-poll rigging against the PPP, later caused other major political parties also to take to the streets of Skardu, the principal town in the region, in protest at what they alleged was massive manipulation of the polls. The exercise of conducting elections, the first since the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order was promulgated last August, was not without unpleasantness. Supporters of opponents clashed with one another resulting in loss of life and injuries. On the polling day, two persons died and 40 others were wounded in a fight at Diya Murdanali. Later, on Sunday, the third consecutive day of opposition parties demonstrations against the rigging charge, 23 protesters received injuries when rival groups (PML-N and PPP) exchanged brickbats at Skardu. Although the PPP has recorded a convincing win in 11 out of 23 constituencies in which the polling took place and, with the joining of an independent candidate, it now has 12 seats in the bag, the accusations of rigging have damaged the credibility of the elections. They cannot be simply brushed under the rug, with the remark that the losing sides in Pakistan are wont to level such allegations, as the Prime Minister has done. First, the claim of pre-poll rigging: Mr Gilanis announcement of a special package on the eve of the elections is being considered an unfair inducement to the electorate to vote for the PPP. For instance, the allocation of Rs2 billion and Rs1 billion for the construction of 200 new schools and 100 new dispensaries respectively in the region, it is being alleged, was designed to persuade the voters to switch over their loyalties. Besides, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Ch Nisar Ali Khan (PML-N), MQMs Dr Farooq Sattar and PML-Ns Ch Shujaat Hussain have talked of different forms of manipulation. Some party leaders have come out with the accusations of bogus votes cast; and the seizure of a polling station and taking the polling officer and staff there as hostages. In response to MQMs charge that one of its candidates was attacked, GB Governor Qamar Zaman Kaira has alleged that MQMs armed men were seen roaming around. While it is highly necessary that the allegations are investigated into, the government that is to take over soon must sincerely work to honour the PMs commitments. At the same time, the large potential of hydel power generation and mineral resources of the region must be exploited to benefit the local people as well as the whole of Pakistan.