PML-N, PPP poised for one seat each in delayed Kashmir elections amid rigging claims

Candidates from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) are positioned to secure one seat each in the Muzaffarabad division of Pakistan-administered Kashmir following delayed elections. Polling in two constituencies, LA-27 and LA-28, was initially postponed due to landslides and adverse weather that blocked roads and prevented the timely dispatch of election materials. Repolling and new polling took place on Tuesday.

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show grace in defeat

Unofficial results show PPP candidate Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi holding a narrow lead over his PML-N rival in LA-28 (Lachhrat). In LA-27 (Kutla), PML-N candidate Noreen Arif leads the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidate Sardar Tabarak Ali by fewer than 200 votes. PML-N supporters celebrated outside Ms. Arif's residence as counting continued late into the night.

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caught red-handed

Despite the close contests, both parties leveled allegations of irregularities. The PPP directed most of its criticism towards LA-27, while the PML-N raised serious concerns regarding polling in LA-28. The PML-N election cell in-charge Hanif Malik submitted a complaint to the Election Commission alleging widespread violence, irregularities, and voter suppression in LA-28. He claimed armed men fired shots and occupied polling stations to benefit the PPP candidate, and that PML-N supporters were prevented from reaching polling stations due to road blockades.

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widespread violence, irregularities and voter suppression