Pakistan-administered Kashmir election phase begins amid protests

The second phase of general elections commenced in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Sunday, marked by persistent protests and a significant military presence to oversee the process.

Voting is underway in nine constituencies within the Muzaffarabad regional capital and 12 seats designated for refugees who migrated from Indian-administered Kashmir after the 1947 partition. The Awami Joint Action Committee (JAAC), a human rights advocacy group, is spearheading protests in Rawalakot, demanding the elimination of these 12 reserved seats. The JAAC argues that Islamabad uses these seats to erode Kashmir's autonomy.

"The elections currently being held under the threat of weapons are fraudulent and shameful," stated Omar Nazir, a prominent JAAC member, in a video message released early Sunday. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has announced a boycott of the elections in the valley.

Official figures indicate 20 deaths since protests began in early June, though the JAAC claims nearly 90 fatalities, with a third occurring this week as demonstrators attempted to march towards Muzaffarabad. The electoral process is being conducted in three phases, with the Mirpur division having already voted on July 27, and the final phase scheduled for the Poonch division on August 10. The dispute over the reserved seats has reignited debates on democracy, autonomy, and political power within the region, while authorities maintain that constitutional reform would be necessary to abolish them.

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the elections that are being held currently under the threat of weapons are fraudulent and shameful