PML-N bags 14 seats in 2nd phase of AJK polls amid allegations of rigging

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the dominant force in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, winning 14 out of 18 seats. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four seats, according to unofficial results released by the Election Commission.

However, the electoral process was marred by disruptions. Polling was postponed until Tuesday in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I and at 71 polling stations in LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II. This delay was attributed to landslides and adverse weather conditions blocking roads, preventing election staff and materials from reaching the constituencies.

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The PML-N had won 14 seats and the PPP four.

Allegations of electoral malpractices, rigging, and violence have cast a shadow over the polls. The PPP accused its ally in the federal government, the PML-N, of irregularities, mirroring accusations from the first phase of elections held on July 27. Reports of clashes between party workers, including a disputed death in LA-31, have emerged, with the PPP alleging foul play and the PML-N offering a different account.

This second phase focused on seven seats in Muzaffarabad division and 12 refugee seats for individuals from India-occupied Kashmir. The third phase is scheduled for the 11 constituencies of Poonch division. The ongoing electoral process in AJK is being conducted in three phases due to security concerns.

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The PPP alleged that one of its workers, Syed Mushtaq Shah, was killed in an attack by PML-N supporters.