AJK elections: PPP again alleges rigging as polling under way in 2 Muzaffarabad constituencies

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has again accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of rigging as polling proceeds in two Muzaffarabad constituencies. Voting in these areas was originally scheduled for August 2 but was postponed during the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections due to landslides and adverse weather conditions that blocked roads.

Elections in AJK are being conducted in three phases due to security concerns. Polling for seven seats in the Muzaffarabad division and 12 refugee seats took place on Sunday. The final phase is scheduled for August 10 in the Poonch division. The first phase in the Mirpur division saw the PML-N secure nine of thirteen seats, with the PPP winning the remaining four.

The PPP has leveled accusations of rigging, violence, and electoral malpractice against the PML-N, its ally at the federal level. The party posted a complaint on X, alleging that polling staff were found with official ballot papers and bags inside the home of a PML-N supporter near a polling site in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I (Kotla). The PPP claims to have "concrete evidence" of polling staff abandoning their posts to move to a private residence of a PML-N candidate.

Further complaints filed with the Election Commission accuse the PML-N of ballot stuffing at specific polling stations in LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II (Lachhrat) and obstructing voters. The PPP also alleged that PML-N workers fired shots in Bandi, LA-28, to intimidate residents and discourage them from voting. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry of the PML-N dismissed the PPP's rigging allegations, advising PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to "show grace in defeat."

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leaders should not cry over defeat