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The general elections for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative assembly are being conducted in three phases, a first for the region, with the first round of voting completed and subsequent rounds scheduled over the coming weeks. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the frontrunner, according to preliminary results, while the election has been overshadowed by a boycott from the PTI, a banned opposition group's protests, and concerns about the electoral process.

The first phase of voting took place in the Mirpur division, with the next phase scheduled for August 2 to cover the Muzaffarabad division and 12 seats reserved for displaced persons. The final round of voting is set for August 10 for the Poonch division. This marks the first time AJK elections have been held in phases, a decision taken just days before the election, as reported by Dawn.

The AJK election commissioner has described the ongoing polls as "the most difficult" in the region's history, citing the security situation and political unrest that have accompanied the election cycle.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Dawn and The Hindu present a broadly consistent picture of the election's structure and the leading position of the PML-N, though they differ in emphasis and detail. Dawn's coverage focuses on the procedural and political concerns surrounding the phased election, including the potential influence of early results on subsequent voting and the challenges posed by a banned opposition group. The Hindu, meanwhile, highlights the PML-N's "commanding lead" in the results so far, citing specific figures from the regional election commission.

Both outlets note the security concerns that led to the phased schedule, although The Hindu adds that heavy monsoon rains also complicated campaigning. The Hindu also reports that the PML-N is on course to form the next regional government, marking its return to power in AJK after a decade.

There is broad agreement on the role of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been banned and whose leaders have been taken into custody, with both outlets reporting clashes between the group's supporters and law enforcement in Rawalakot. Dawn additionally notes that JAAC's 38-point charter of demands attracted significant support from the Kashmiri population, despite the group's designation as unlawful.

Key Claims

  • The AJK general elections are being held in three phases, according to multiple reports. The first phase took place in the Mirpur division, with subsequent phases scheduled for August 2 and August 10, covering Muzaffarabad and Poonch respectively.
  • Preliminary results indicate the PML-N is in a leading position, with the PPP in second place, as reported by Dawn. The Hindu, citing the regional election commission, reports that PML-N candidates have won 24 of 34 seats decided in the first two phases, with turnout exceeding 56% in the regional capital.
  • The decision to hold phased elections has raised concerns that announcing results after the first phase could influence voters' choices in later rounds, as reported by Dawn.
  • The AJK election commissioner called the polls "the most difficult" in the region's history, Dawn reported.
  • Clashes have been reported in Rawalakot between the JAAC and law enforcement, as reported by both Dawn and The Hindu.
  • The PTI has boycotted the election due to concerns about fair polls, according to Dawn. The Hindu reports that the JAAC had urged residents not to vote before its ban.
  • The Hindu reports that the election commission cited security concerns and heavy monsoon rains as reasons for the phased schedule, a detail not mentioned by Dawn.
  • Dawn reports that the JAAC had been banned and its leaders taken into custody, and that its charter of demands attracted a significant segment of the population, including youth.
  • Dawn also notes that AJK's anti-defection law is not as stringent as Pakistan's, a factor that the outlet links to the PTI's ouster from power in AJK previously.

Perspectives

Election Commission of AJK: The regional election commission, through spokesman Raja Shakeel, has presented the phased election as a necessity due to security and weather concerns, and has reported results showing the PML-N with a commanding lead. The election commissioner has also acknowledged the difficulty of conducting the polls.

Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC): The JAAC, now banned, has been a vocal opponent of the election, organizing protests and urging residents not to vote. Its 38-point charter of demands has been described as people-centric and anti-elite, and the group's leadership has faced arrest.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI): The PTI has boycotted the election, stating that it sees no prospect of a free and fair election. The party had previously won the largest share of votes in the 2021 AJK elections.