PML-N Bags 14 Seats in Second Phase of AJK Elections Amid Allegations of Rigging
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the largest party in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections held on Sunday, securing a total of 14 seats. The ruling party’s victory is attributed to its strong performance in the second phase of polling, which was postponed due to landslides and bad weather.
The PML-N secured nine out of the thirteen seats won by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the first phase of elections held on July 27. However, the PPP has accused the ruling party of electoral malpractices, rigging, and violence during the second phase of polling.
According to unofficial results released by the Election Commission, the PML-N bagged 14 seats while the PPP secured four out of a total of eighteen seats up for grabs in the second phase. The remaining six seats were won by other parties.
The electoral process was marred by allegations of rigging and violence during the first phase of elections held on July 27. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had accused the ruling PML-N of electoral malpractices, including voting irregularities, intimidation, and violence against its supporters.
On Sunday, polling staff and election material were unable to reach some constituencies due to landslides and bad weather, resulting in blocked roads. However, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported unofficial results citing Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal’s press talk in Muzaffarabad.
During the press talk, he announced that the PML-N had won 14 seats and the PPP four. The official announcement was later confirmed by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
The second phase of polling saw some reports of violence, including clashes between workers of the two major parties in LA-31 Muzaffarabad-I (Kutla). However, voting continued in most areas, with no immediate casualties reported.
Outside AJK, Kashmiris voted for their candidates vying for refugee seats at polling stations set up in Chakwal, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Sargodha, Attock, Nawabshah, Hyderabad, Mohmand, Mansehra, Quetta, Dera Ghazi Khan, Peshawar, Sanghar, and Naushahro Feroze.
The low turnout outside AJK was largely peaceful, with only a single voter turning up at a station set up for the AJK polls in Mohmand. In Dera Ghazi Khan, a single registered female voter cast her ballot at the Govt Elementary School in Maumori, where a polling station had been established just for her.
The PML-N’s victory is attributed to its strong performance in the second phase of elections, which was marred by allegations of rigging and violence. The ruling party has secured 14 seats out of eighteen up for grabs in the AJK polls, while the PPP secured four seats.
Based on reporting from Dawn.
