AJK polls: PML-N leads amid controversy, calls for transparency

As the staggered polls for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly approach their conclusion, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) seems poised for a commanding victory and is reportedly already planning its governance strategy for the region.

The electoral process has been fraught with controversy, marked by violence and accusations of rigging from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the PML-N's coalition partner at the federal level. Re-polling is slated for some stations in Bagh over the weekend, and voting in seven constituencies of Poonch division is scheduled for August 20 or 21, following postponements due to security concerns.

The AJK polls have highlighted a growing rift between the PML-N and PPP, with the latter expressing doubts about the transparency of the AJK Election Commission's procedures. PML-N leaders, however, have dismissed these concerns, asserting that their party chief, Nawaz Sharif, will select the next AJK prime minister. Despite the PML-N's apparent lead, analysts stress that government formation should only begin after polling concludes in all constituencies.

Furthermore, the election commission is urged to thoroughly investigate all claims of electoral irregularities. A controversial election process could cast a long shadow over the incoming administration, potentially undermining its legitimacy. While holding elections under difficult circumstances is important, ensuring they are perceived as free and fair is crucial to addressing the public disaffection that fuels unrest.

The region has experienced intermittent anti-government protests over the past three years, notably those led by the now-banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). While the violence and rhetoric associated with these protests are indefensible, the underlying movement cannot be dismissed. Some JAAC demands, such as the removal of refugee seats, involve constitutional matters that require legislative solutions. However, the core of the recent protests stems from a demand for good governance. Unless elections are deemed fair and the next administration addresses the protesters' legitimate grievances, political instability in AJK is likely to persist.

PML-N leaders have pledged to address the protesters' "valid demands." Given the region's sensitivity, transparency in the electoral process is paramount for general acceptance of the outcome. If the PML-N forms the government in Muzaffarabad, it must engage with the PPP, other regional political players, and peaceful protesters to resolve all concerns democratically.