Mirpur Elections Proceed Amidst Rigging Allegations and Code of Conduct Warnings

Elections in Pakistan's Mirpur Division are poised to take place on Monday, with the final hours of campaigning marked by accusations of pre-poll rigging and stern warnings from the election authorities. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission reiterated its stance that no individual or institution would be permitted to breach the election code of conduct, especially in light of controversial development promises made during the campaign period.

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no individual or institution would be allowed to violate the election code of conduct.

The controversy intensified after former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced promises of electric buses and mobile hospitals during election rallies. These announcements drew immediate criticism from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, citing blatant violations of electoral laws. The commission's statement, though not naming specific parties, addressed the issue of development schemes and financial packages being announced during the election, deeming them violations.

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The announcement of any new development scheme, financial package, public facility or welfare project during the election campaign will amount to a violation of the code of conduct.

In a significant political maneuver, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) announced its support for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates by withdrawing its own nominees. This decision followed a meeting between PML-N leaders and MQM-P officials in Karachi. MQM-P leader Dr. Farooq Sattar stated that their party's candidates would step aside for PML-N nominees, framing a PML-N victory as a win for MQM-P as well.

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Any vehicles, equipment, relief goods or other facilities sent by the federal or provincial governments during the election period will be confiscated and action taken in accordance with the law.

An Election Commission spokesperson clarified that while federal and provincial ministers could participate in campaigning, they were prohibited from using official resources or state machinery for electoral purposes. The spokesperson emphasized that any new development schemes or financial aid announced during the election period would be confiscated, and legal action would follow. The commission urged all parties and candidates to adhere strictly to the code of conduct to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

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his party’s candidates contesting from various constituencies, including seats reserved for refugees, would withdraw in favour of PML-N nominees.