The level of political development, institutional strengths as well as socio-economic conditions also bear on the peaceful conduct of elections. If the past elections have seen violence for reasons explained and unexplained, the chances of violence go up. In many countries, such elements have either acted on their accord to sow discord or have been absorbed by political parties to do the dirty work. If the national politics take a nasty turn as G-B goes into elections this will provoke conflict in G-B. It should also understand the resilience of the society of Gilgit-Baltistan to which they can turn to not just stem violence but also preempt it.

Source: The Express Tribune November 13, 2020 08:36 UTC