AJK elections: PML-N surges ahead as rigging claims grow
The first phase covered 13 constituencies across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. Voting continued from 8 am to 6 pm under heavy security arrangements.
Unofficial results from seven constituencies showed PML-N candidates winning LA-1 Mirpur, LA-4 Mirpur, LA-7 Bhimber-3, LA-9 Kotli-2 and another declared seat. PPP candidates secured LA-2 Mirpur and LA-3 Mirpur.
The remaining results were still being compiled when the initial results were reported. The outcome could therefore change as counting and verification continue.
Heavy security during AJK elections
More than 1.4 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots across the 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division. The division includes four seats in Mirpur, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli.
The Election Commission established thousands of polling stations and booths, many of which were classified as sensitive or highly sensitive. Police, Rangers, the Federal Constabulary and Pakistan Army personnel were deployed to maintain security.
The AJK elections are being held in three phases under a revised schedule. The first phase covers Mirpur Division, while Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies are scheduled for August 2.
Polling in Poonch, including Rawalakot Division, is scheduled for August 10. The staggered schedule is aimed at managing the election process across different parts of the region.
Violence raises concerns in Kotli
The election process faced tension in parts of Kotli, where clashes and scuffles between supporters of the PML-N and PPP were reported.
The situation became more serious in LA-9 Kotli-II, where one person was killed and two others were injured, according to the Mirpur commissioner.
The PPP identified the deceased as party worker Mukhtar Younus and alleged that he was shot by supporters of PML-N candidate Sardar Umair Naeem. The PML-N disputed aspects of the allegations, while authorities said an investigation was underway.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the killing and questioned the security arrangements. He also called for action against those responsible.
PPP leaders said violence against political workers and voters should not be allowed to affect the election process.
Also Read: Rangers soldier martyred as violence erupts after AJK elections
The election also saw allegations of pre-poll rigging. PML-N leaders raised concerns over LA-10 Kotli and called for an inquiry into the alleged irregularities.
The Election Commission separately confirmed that two presiding officers in Kotli had been arrested and suspended after reportedly going to “a residence” instead of reaching their assigned polling stations.
The commission said legal action was being initiated against them. New presiding officers were appointed, while polling material linked to the officials was confiscated.
A separate FIR was also registered in Kotli under relevant election and penal laws. The allegations remain subject to investigation and should not be treated as facts.
