Rigging Claims, Violence Mar Second Phase of PoJK Polls

Low voter turnout, protests and political accusations deepen unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir

Northlines Newsdesk

Muzaffarabad, Aug 2: The second phase of the so-called legislative elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) concluded on Sunday amid widespread allegations of electoral rigging, violent incidents, public protests and a low voter turnout, raising fresh questions over the credibility of the electoral exercise.

Polling was conducted for nine constituencies in Muzaffarabad division and 12 seats reserved for refugees. Tight security arrangements were put in place, with polling personnel escorted to voting stations in military-guarded convoys. Besides local police, security personnel from Pakistan’s Punjab and Sindh provinces were also deployed to maintain law and order.

Despite the heavy security presence, demonstrations continued in several parts of the region. Activists associated with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) staged protests and road blockades, disrupting polling at several locations. Protesters have been demanding fair representation and opposing what they describe as manipulation of 12 disputed assembly constituencies.

Major roads in localities such as Gujra, Tariqabad, Upper Plate, Centre Plate, Lower Plate, Saman Bandi and Chehla Bandi remained blocked during the day. Demonstrators also accused sections of the media of failing to adequately highlight their grievances.

The JAAC, which has been spearheading protests for nearly two months, alleged that Pakistan’s establishment manipulates the electoral process to install a government of its choice. The organisation also claimed that 37 people were killed during clashes with security forces in the first phase of polling held last week.

Political tensions further escalated after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari alleged that the President of the region, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, who is also a PPP candidate, was attacked and that a party worker was shot dead in what he termed a targeted assault. Bhutto-Zardari accused the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of orchestrating electoral manipulation, warning that any victory secured through such means would further weaken public confidence in state institutions.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister and senior PPP leader Raja Pervez Ashraf also alleged large-scale irregularities, claiming that despite submitting evidence of rigging, the Election Commission showed little willingness to examine the complaints. He asserted that the election results would lack credibility if transparency was not ensured.

The 45-member assembly election is being conducted in three phases due to the prevailing security situation and continuing protests. The first phase, held on July 27 for 13 seats in Mirpur division, saw the PML-N win nine seats while the PPP secured four. The third and final phase covering nine seats in Poonch division is scheduled for August 10.

Meanwhile, solidarity protests were also reported from Lahore, where Punjab Police detained several demonstrators, including women, who were protesting in support of the people of PoJK.

Many voters expressed deep frustration with the mainstream political parties. Several residents said they had little faith in the electoral process, alleging that political leaders frequently change loyalties while ignoring the concerns of the people. First-time voters also voiced disappointment, saying that none of the candidates appeared committed to addressing the region’s pressing issues.

The violence also drew criticism from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who accused the government of using excessive force against unarmed civilians. He claimed that the number of people killed in violence since early June had risen to around 80 and appealed to both the authorities and protest groups to resolve the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means.

India has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the territories presently under Pakistan’s illegal and forcible occupation, are integral and inalienable parts of India. Ahead of the polls, New Delhi had described the electoral exercise as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimise its illegal occupation and divert attention from alleged human rights violations in the region.

( With inputs from Agencies)