PML-N secures simple majority to form govt in AJK, says Sanaullah
· Geo News- Man killed during PPP-JAAC protest: Rana Sanaullah.
- Says polling remained fair during Muzaffarabad polls.
- PPP alleged rigging after failing in first phase: Sanaullah.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Monday accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of joining hands with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to disrupt elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Addressing a press conference alongside Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam in Islamabad, Sanaullah claimed PPP leaders participated in protests alongside the banned JAAC, alleging that the demonstrations resulted in one person's death and spread fear across Muzaffarabad.
The second phase of the AJK elections was held in the Muzaffarabad division on Sunday, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerging as the frontrunner by securing 13 of the 19 constituencies, according to unofficial and provisional results.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led PPP stands second, having won five seats so far in the second phase of the AJK elections.
The elections, however, were overshadowed by allegations of electoral irregularities and incidents of violence, with the PPP claiming its leaders were attacked and at least one party worker was killed.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf rejected the election process, alleging that the mandate was "fake" and accusing the PML-N of pushing the situation towards further instability.
Raja said that the elections were neither free, fair nor impartial and would not be accepted.
During today's presser, Sanaullah alleged that the PPP began raising allegations of rigging as soon as polling started after failing to perform well in the first phase of the elections.
According to the senior PML-N leader, the Bilawal-led party initially levelled allegations relating to 13 constituencies, which later narrowed to four and eventually two after it was asked to provide evidence.
"We even offered to conduct a forensic audit of the polling stations where rigging was alleged," he said, adding that polling remained free, fair and transparent throughout the election day.
He also alleged that attempts were made by the PPP to influence the constituency of PPP candidate and AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, including efforts to have Sindh police deployed there.
Referring to the election outcome, the senior PML-N leader claimed victory on 13 seats in the second phase, including four of the seven seats in Muzaffarabad, while the PPP secured three seats.
According to Sanaullah, the PML-N had secured a simple majority to form the government in AJK after winning 23 of the 45 seats. He said the party also won 10 of the 12 refugee seats, while the PPP secured two.
Sanaullah said that polling in LA-27 was postponed due to adverse weather, while voting would be held on Tuesday at 54 polling stations in LA-27 and LA-28.
According to Sanaullah, the PML-N's parliamentary party would meet immediately after the third phase of elections on August 10 to discuss government formation.