The first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s general elections has triggered an escalating political confrontation between coalition partners Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), overshadowing the electoral contest with allegations of rigging, violence, mismanagement and competing claims of public support.
Although the Election Commission’s provisional results handed the PML-N a commanding lead in Mirpur Division, the outcome has been fiercely contested by the PPP, which insists its mandate was stolen in several constituencies. The ruling party, meanwhile, has dismissed the allegations outright, maintaining that voters freely elected the PML-N on the strength of its governance record.
The exchange of accusations has intensified with each passing day, drawing in senior leaders from both parties, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari and several other party leaders.
The bitter political spar has unfolded as Azad Kashmir prepares for the remaining two phases of polling, leaving the controversy surrounding the first phase at the centre of the election campaign.
AJK elections
The first phase of the three-stage election was held on July 27 across Mirpur Division under heightened security, making it the first time in AJK’s history that a general election has been conducted in phases. The Election Commission had cited security concerns behind the staggered schedule, while Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retired) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal later described the exercise as among the most difficult elections the region had witnessed.
According to provisional results issued through Forms 26 and 27, the PML-N secured victory in nine of the 13 constituencies contested during the first phase, while the PPP won four seats.
The PML-N emerged victorious in Dadyal and Khari Sharif in Mirpur district, Barnala, Samahni and Bhimber in Bhimber district, and Nakyal, Sehnsa, Charhoi and Khuiratta in Kotli district.
The PPP retained Mirpur city and Chakswari while also winning two constituencies in Kotli.
Polling, however, was overshadowed by reports of clashes, isolated firing incidents, the killing of a political worker, allegations of polling station takeovers, ballot box disturbances and accusations of electoral malpractice from both sides.
The Election Commission maintained that polling was completed despite isolated incidents, while federal ministers later described the overall process as peaceful, free and credible.