Cold vote in northern Pakistan

Cold vote in northern Pakistan

Despite cold weather, people turned out to vote in the first-ever election of the brand new province Gilgit Baltistan, formerly called Pakistan's Northern areas.

This is a land where three of the worlds mighty mountain ranges meet, on the banks of the River Indus. Now the people of this mountain abode are casting their votes in the first ever elections to choose their representatives for the new legislative body.

All mainstream political parties are hosting their candidates, but it is expected that many independents may also win seats in the poll.

Critics of the government, however, say the election is too little too late and major opposition parties are already accusing the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party of manipulating the polls and vote rigging.

Many believe that the outcome of the elections may spark more political mudslinging and plunge an otherwise peaceful region, known for its mountainous splendor and tourism, into political turmoi.