Second phase of PoJK elections hit by chaos and polling delays
Muzaffarabad, August 2
The second phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir witnessed widespread disruptions, logistical failures and continuing protests on Sunday, casting a shadow over the electoral process and raising fresh questions over its credibility.
Polling was scheduled across 21 constituencies, including nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad Division of PoJK and 12 refugee constituencies located in different parts of Pakistan.
However, the election took place amid an atmosphere of political unrest, with protests reported from several parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir as well as from Kashmiri communities in different cities across Pakistan.
Large protest gatherings were also reported in Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where demonstrators criticised the electoral process and demanded political reforms. According to sources, police detained several protesters and student leaders during the demonstrations.
The voting process was disrupted in several constituencies due to road blockades and protests.
According to sources, in LA-27 Kotli, election staff and polling material reportedly failed to reach polling stations after protesters blocked major roads, forcing authorities to postpone polling.
Similar disruptions were reported in LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II (Lechrat), where election officials and polling material could not reach 71 polling stations. Reports also indicated that election staff failed to reach several polling stations in other constituencies, affecting the conduct of polling.
The disruptions prompted opposition groups and protest organisations to question the effectiveness of the election arrangements. Critics argued that an election in which polling personnel and materials could not reach numerous polling stations reflected serious administrative shortcomings.
Meanwhile, demonstrations continued throughout the day.
At D-Chowk, protesters staged a sit-in and announced plans for a long march towards Muzaffarabad. Reports from Rawalakot suggested intermittent firing by security forces during the protests.
Another protest site at Dreak Eidgah, where demonstrators have maintained a sit-in for nearly 50 days, remained active. Women and children continued the protest, with organisers stating that the sit-in would continue until their demands are addressed.
Several protest groups also claimed that many voters stayed away from polling stations as a mark of protest. However, official turnout figures and the reasons behind voter participation or abstention have not yet been independently verified.
The second phase of the elections was conducted against the backdrop of months of political unrest and anti-government demonstrations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The logistical failures and protests highlight how unstable the situation is in PoJK. It's concerning that even basic polling arrangements couldn't be made. The international community needs to pay more attention to what's happening there.
Even the Pakistani administration can't manage to conduct these elections properly. The people are clearly protesting because they don't see this as a legitimate process. Peace and stability will only come when the real issues are addressed, not through such sham elections.
It's sad to see the situation deteriorating like this. Election staff unable to reach polling stations, protests everywhere, and now reports of firing. This doesn't look like a democratic exercise at all. The international media should report more on these developments.
What credibility can such elections have when the people themselves are rejecting them? The 50-day sit-in by women and children at Dreak Eidgah shows the determination of the people. Pakistan needs to understand that occupation and oppression won't bring peace. Jai Hind! 🙏
The fact that polling materials couldn't even reach the stations says it all. This isn't about politics anymore—it's about basic administration failing. I hope the UN and other global bodies take note of what's happening in PoJK. The people deserve better.
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