{"id":1814,"date":"2026-08-02T21:28:50","date_gmt":"2026-08-02T21:28:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/?p=1814"},"modified":"2026-08-02T21:28:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T21:28:50","slug":"second-phase-of-ajk-polls-concludes-amid-renewed-rigging-allegations-by-ppp-pakistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/?p=1814","title":{"rendered":"Second phase of AJK polls concludes amid renewed rigging allegations by PPP – Pakistan"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Second<\/div>

<\/p>\n

\n

The second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections took place on Sunday, with polling held in eight out of the nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad division and all 12 refugee constituencies.<\/p>\n

Polling began at 8am and continued till 5pm for the refugee seats, while the process concluded at 6pm in Muzaffarabad after an hour-long extension.<\/p>\n

The electoral process in LA-27 (Muzaffarabad-I) was postponed due to heavy rain, AJK Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said, DawnNewsTV<\/em> reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Polling in LA-27, commonly known as Kutla, was deferred until August 4 after polling material could not be dispatched due to a landslide.<\/p>\n

Similarly, polling in 52 of the 147 polling stations of LA-28 (Muzaffarabad-II) was also postponed until August 4 for the same reason.<\/p>\n

Over 300 candidates were in the fray for the Muzaffarabad seats and the 12 seats for refugees settled in different regions.<\/p>\n\n\n

Continuing his rigging allegations, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday accused the PML-N of \u201crobbing\u201d votes in the second phase of the AJK elections as well.<\/p>\n

In a post on X later in the day, he condemned an \u201cattack\u201d on the party\u2019s regional president, Chaudhry Latif Akbar \u2014 also the candidate for LA-31 (Muzaffarabad-V).<\/p>\n

Accusing \u201cmiscreant elements of the PML-N\u201d of being behind the incident, Bilawal said PPP worker Mushtaq Shah was killed in the same constituency.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe PML-N is robbing the votes of the people of Azad Kashmir through bullets, batons and coercion,\u201d he alleged.<\/p>\n

The PPP chairman demanded that those responsible for the attack on Akbar and the \u201cmurderers\u201d of the party worker be arrested immediately.<\/p>\n

In a separate statement<\/a>, Bilawal said, \u201cThe PML-N has crossed all limits. Attacks are taking place on our voters and the president of the state (AJK).\u201d<\/p>\n

He remarked that in Muzaffarabad, the PPP\u2019s \u201cpolitics of dignity and principles was in contest with the PML-N\u2019s threat, rigging and coercion\u201d.<\/p>\n

The PPP shared a complaint<\/a> written to the Election Commission regarding a \u201cphysical assault\u201d on Akbar.<\/p>\n

The party said the LA-31 candidate was \u201cengaged in the electoral process on polling day\u201d when the alleged incident took place, accusing three individuals.<\/p>\n

It said a first information report (FIR) was being registered and urged the Election Commission to order an inquiry into the \u201csecurity lapse\u201d that resulted in the incident.<\/p>\n

AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, who belongs to the PPP, took notice<\/a> of the incident and ordered the chief secretary and the police chief to take those responsible to justice.<\/p>\n

The AJK PM termed the attack \u201ca slap on the politics of dignity and principle in Kashmir\u201d.<\/p>\n

Akbar also wrote two letters<\/a> to the Election Commission. In one, he alleged that an attempt on his life was made at Polling Station 177 \u201cby PML-N workers\u201d and wrote of the PPP worker\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

He further claimed that his polling agents were not allowed to \u201csit in the polling area\u201d at 14 polling stations.<\/p>\n

In the second letter, Akbar said PPP leader Syed Mumtaz Hussain Naqvi sustained bullet wounds in a \u201c[murderous] attack\u201d at a polling station in a building.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

Addressing a press conference, PPP leader Nayyar Hussain Bokhari claimed that eight party workers had been injured in the ongoing elections so far.<\/p>\n

Bokhari contended there was a \u201cstate of lawlessness\u201d in AJK.<\/p>\n

Polls in AJK are being held in three phases<\/u><\/a> over security concerns, with the first set of polls held in Mirpur division<\/u><\/a> on July 27, the second held today, and the third phase set for August 10 across Poonch division.<\/p>\n

Ahead of today\u2019s elections, internet services were restored<\/a> in parts of Muzaffarabad division after remaining suspended for 54 days on July 29. At the time, it was not clear whether the restoration covered the entire division or was limited to the state capital.<\/p>\n

Addressing the media on Sunday, the AJK CEC said that a letter had been written yesterday to request the restoration of internet services.<\/p>\n

He added that the outcome would be known today, without providing further details.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will work according to the law; we will not come under pressure from anyone,\u201d CEC Mughal said to a question.<\/p>\n

Preliminary, unofficial results<\/h2>\n

According to preliminary and unofficial results, the PML-N was leading in LA-25 by 1,364 votes, while the PPP was ahead in LA-26 and LA-28 by 1,745 and 1,782 votes, respectively.<\/p>\n

In LA-29, the PML-N was leading by 379 votes, with the PPP in second place. Similarly, the PML-N was ahead in LA-30 by 247 votes, while the PPP was trailing in second position.<\/p>\n

In LA-31, the PML-N was leading with 2,934 votes, while the PPP was in second place. In LA-32, the PML-N was ahead by 892 votes, according to the unofficial results.<\/p>\n

In LA-33, the PPP was leading by 1,349 votes, while the PML-N was ahead in LA-34 with a lead of 2,503 votes.<\/p>\n

Refugee seats<\/h2>\n

CEC Mughal held a press conference along with senior Election Commission members Khawaja Muhammad Ahsan and Syed Nazirul Hassan Gilani.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections is being completed today,\u201d the CEC said.<\/p>\n

He said the results from the five refugee seats had been received, with PML-N candidates winning four of the five seats, while the PPP secured one seat.<\/p>\n

PML-N\u2019s Muhammad Amir Shah won LA-41 (Kashmir Valley-II) with 1,804 votes, defeating independent candidate Saba Diwan, who secured 1,523 votes. In LA-42 (Kashmir Valley-III), PML-N candidate Syed Shaukat Ali Shah emerged victorious with 1,524 votes, while PPP\u2019s Muhammad Asim Sharif received 466 votes.<\/p>\n

PML-N\u2019s Muhammad Yasin Loon won LA-43 (Kashmir Valley-IV) with 1,276 votes, defeating PPP candidate Javed Butt, who secured 563 votes. In LA-44 (Kashmir Valley-V), PML-N candidate Muhammad Ahmad Raza Qadri won with 2,308 votes, while All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference candidate Mehrun Nisa received 740 votes.<\/p>\n

The PPP secured LA-45 (Kashmir Valley-VI), where Abdul Majid Khan won with 3,448 votes, defeating Muslim Conference candidate Khawaja Muhammad Dilawar, who obtained 823 votes.<\/p>\n

Info ministry criticises foreign media coverage<\/h2>\n

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting criticised Al Jazeera\u2019s<\/em> coverage of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, accusing the channel of \u201cselective reporting\u201d from \u201chandpicked polling stations\u201d in Muzaffarabad.<\/p>\n

In a post on X, the ministry alleged that the channel had sought to \u201cmisrepresent\u201d the elections and voting process through \u201ccarefully chosen timings and scripted statements from selected individuals\u201d.<\/p>\n

It alleged that it was aimed at \u201cdelegitimising\u201d the electoral exercise and undermining the will of the people of Muzaffarabad and AJK.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

PML-N says man did not die from bullet, had heart failure<\/h2>\n

On its part, the PML-N disputed the PPP\u2019s stance on a man\u2019s death in Muzaffarabad, saying that he died due to heart failure and did not suffer any bullet injury.<\/p>\n

Responding to the PPP\u2019s stream of allegations in a media talk in Rawalpindi, PML-N Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said a man aged between 68 and 70 years was trying to resolve a \u201cscuffle\u201d when he suffered heart failure.<\/p>\n

She noted that there was a physical altercation between groups of the PML-N and the PPP, describing the incident as \u201cunfortunate\u201d. She further said that Shah\u2019s family has refused to have a post-mortem examination conducted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you do politics on bullets? Will you sabotage a democratic process by spreading such fake claims?\u201d Aurangzeb said.<\/p>\n

She further said, \u201cMy brothers, this politics of bullet, this politics of robbing votes, this does not suit parties like us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

The PML-N leader went on to emphasise that the PPP leadership had given sacrifices and spent their \u201centire lives\u201d in making efforts to strengthen democracy.<\/p>\n

She remarked that ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto \u201cdid not give sacrifice to see this day\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should remember that you are Zulfikar Ali Bhutto\u2019s grandson. We will keep reminding you because we will not let their sacrifices go to waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

She further said that the PPP was aware that the public did not vote for it. \u201cAre elections won by crying, grabbing collars, issuing threats or making accusations? Elections are won with courage.\u201d<\/p>\n

The PML-N leader also took exception to Bilawal\u2019s remarks of \u201csnatching away seats\u201d and \u201ctaking out seats\u201d, saying: \u201cBilawal, you say good things. What kind of statements are you making now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Aurangzeb compared the PPP\u2019s attitude to that of the PTI, saying the former\u2019s \u201cnarrative\u201d should not be the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cFind out so that you may not have to cry in Sindh,\u201d the PML-N leader cautioned the PPP, noting people in Sindh were seeking performance similar to that of the Punjab government.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

Aurangzeb recalled the Charter of Democracy<\/a> signed between the PPP and the PML-N in 2007, stressing that its purpose was not to let democratic processes be sabotaged.<\/p>\n

Noting that the PPP was in power in AJK and had its administrative machinery in the region, the PML-N leader questioned if Bilawal\u2019s \u201cown government is carrying out rigging against you\u201d.<\/p>\n

She remarked that if one considered the PPP\u2019s allegations to be true, the party would have to \u201caccept\u201d that its own government \u201ccarried out rigging against Bilawal\u201d.<\/p>\n

Aurangzeb said the PPP-led administration was preventing the transportation of the required electoral equipment.<\/p>\n

She also commented on Bokhari showing ballot papers stamped with votes for PML-N, saying, \u201cThis is an election of thousands of votes. He was showing two stamps on two ballot papers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Punjab minister took aim at the PPP\u2019s governance, saying that it had nothing to show for its performance. She quipped that voters were yet to head to polling stations early in the morning while the PPP had already started holding media talks on rigging.<\/p>\n

Aurangzeb said that if the PPP still had reservations, there were relevant platforms such as the Election Commission and tribunals to approach, rather than hold press conferences.<\/p>\n

\u201cContest the elections. Do not cry out loud,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

In a similar tone, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also regretted the rigging allegations levelled by the PPP.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, a democratic party, which is also a signatory to the Charter of Democracy, has been alleging rigging since 10:30 in the morning,\u201d he said while addressing the media in Islamabad.<\/p>\n

Flanked by Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, Sanaullah claimed that the second phase of polls in AJK was conducted in a \u201cpeaceful manner\u201d.<\/p>\n

The inter-provincial coordination minister said the electoral process was completed at 96 per cent of polling stations, adding that vote counting was underway.<\/p>\n

Sanaullah maintained that it was the \u201cmost transparent and non-violent electoral process\u201d, adding that a few incidents had occurred during the day.<\/p>\n

Referring to the alleged attack on PPP leader Akbar, Sanaullah said it was a dispute involving another family in the area and that there had been \u201cno physical confrontation\u201d, only a verbal argument.<\/p>\n

Contesting the PPP\u2019s claim about the second reported incident involving a party worker, the PML-N leader said a citizen named Mushtaq was involved in a scuffle with his family members, one of whom pushed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe reportedly went home afterwards and then suffered a heart attack as he was a cardiac patient. They [PPP] claimed that shots were fired, but not a single bullet was fired,\u201d the premier\u2019s adviser asserted.<\/p>\n

Sanaullah added that the PML-N condoled his death, but that the \u201cdeceased individual was not a PPP worker\u201d.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

PPP alleges electoral malpractices<\/h2>\n

On Sunday, the PPP alleged electoral malpractices shortly after polling commenced, with several of the complaints claiming its polling agents at some stations were not allowed to observe the voting process.<\/p>\n

At 2pm, the party also wrote a separate letter to the Election Commission requesting follow-up on 25 complaints filed by it regarding 11 constituencies.<\/p>\n

The PPP said it had not received any formal written response or acknowledgement from the electoral watchdog on the status of any of the 25 complaints.<\/p>\n

\u201cGiven the gravity, number and geographical spread of the violations documented, the Party respectfully submits that a formal response from the Commission is now overdue and urgently required.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

On the other hand, the PML-N\u2019s social media posts revolved around voters across Muzaffarabad and Punjab showing up to cast ballots with \u201centhusiasm<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n

Several posts highlighted that a large number of voters were flocking to the PML-N\u2019s election camps, rather than those of rival parties.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

The PML-N also wrote to the Election Commission in response to a PPP complaint about LA-40 (Valley-I), terming the latter\u2019s allegations against its candidate Muhammad Naeem Khan as \u201cbaseless\u201d.<\/p>\n

In the letter, seen by Dawn<\/em>, the PML-N asserted that the allegations \u201cregarding administrative failures are unsubstantiated and appear to be an attempt to create unnecessary controversy around the polling process\u201d.<\/p>\n

The PML-N urged the electoral watchdog to ensure that \u201cno misleading or politically motivated complaint is allowed to undermine public confidence in the integrity of the polling\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u2018Ballot stuffing\u2019<\/h3>\n

At a polling station in LA-32 (Muzaffarabad-VI), the PPP accused<\/a> PML-N supporters of \u201cballot stuffing\u201d. It further said that a government employee had been deployed as a polling agent for the PML-N at a separate polling station.<\/p>\n

In LA-30 (Muzaffarabad-IV), the PPP claimed<\/a> PML-N workers removed a ballot box at the Banaw Langah polling station and placed it outside, where they were allegedly \u201cstamping ballot papers\u201d.<\/p>\n

In Charakhpora Union Council of LA-31 (Muzaffarabad-V), the PPP said<\/a> \u201cbogus voting\u201d was taking place at the Sharik Kamal Bandi-Khalsa polling station.<\/p>\n

The party said the alleged act \u201cdirectly subverts the integrity of the poll\u201d, adding that the polling station also did not have adequate security despite being declared \u201csensitive\u201d.<\/p>\n

The PPP also alleged a PML-N MPA at a polling station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa\u2019s Abbottabad of obstructing the voting process for the refugee seat of LA-45 (Kashmir-VI).<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

In LA-25 (Neelum-I), the PPP said the voting process at a polling station had been halted after reports emerged of PML-N supporters tearing up ballot papers.<\/p>\n

The PPP also said its polling agents at a polling station in LA-25\u2019s Khawaja Sari reported that \u201cfraudulent votes are being cast\u201d there. It urged the Election Commission to dispatch officials and law enforcement to halt the alleged action.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

\u2018Polling agents excluded\u2019<\/h3>\n

The party alleged that its polling agents were not allowed to sit at polling stations for refugee seat LA-34 (Jammu-I) in Cantonment and Lahore\u2019s Sheranwala Gate, calling on the Election Commission to intervene.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

The PPP wrote to the electoral watchdog about a similar complaint<\/a> emerging from a polling station in Janabad, Sargodha, for LA-34.<\/p>\n

Sharing another letter addressed to the Election Commission about LA-34, the PPP said \u201celected members\u201d of the PML-N were present inside a Pakpattan polling station and \u201cstamping ballot papers\u201d.<\/p>\n

It further claimed that its polling agent was \u201cbarred from entering the same polling station\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe deliberate exclusion of the PPP\u2019s oversight representative while PML-N\u2019s own elected officials conduct fraud inside the station is not a coincidence \u2014 it is a coordinated strategy to commit electoral fraud without any independent witness,\u201d it alleged.<\/p>\n

The party urged the electoral watchdog to dispatch law enforcement to the polling station and remove the PML-N supporters allegedly involved in \u201cballot stuffing\u201d.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

Regarding LA-42 (Valley-III), the PPP filed a complaint over party candidate Asim Sharif Butt\u2019s polling agent being \u201cphysically prevented\u201d from entering a polling station in Muzaffargarh\u2019s Alipur Tehsil.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

The PPP also claimed<\/a> its polling agents at three polling stations in LA-30 (Muzaffarabad-IV) were denied from observing the electoral process.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the party said<\/a> polling agents of candidate Ishfaq Zaffar were not permitted to take their seats at three polling stations in LA-32 (Muzaffarabad-VI).<\/p>\n

Terming it a \u201cserious violation\u201d of the electoral code of conduct, the PPP sought disciplinary action against the presiding officers who allegedly refused the agents from discharging their duties.<\/p>\n

At one of those polling stations, the PPP claimed a \u201cviolent confrontation\u201d was underway between supporters of PML-N candidate Raja Farooq Haider and PPP supporters.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

Other issues<\/h3>\n

In a separate statement<\/a> in the morning, the party claimed that no polling staff was present at any of the 196 polling stations in LA-27, adding that this raised the concern that there was a \u201cdeliberate\u201d attempt to delay the polling.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the party alleged that polling staff had reached late at 71 polling stations of LA-28, due to which the voting process was facing delays. The PPP claimed that a similar situation was being witnessed at several polling stations of LA-30, where polling staff had not arrived on time.<\/p>\n

Regarding LA-31, the PPP said it had written to the Election Commission on behalf of its candidate Akbar, urging it to take action over difficulties faced by voters due to the closure of the Rangla-Katkair Road in Muzaffarabad.<\/p>\n

The party said over 50 vehicles carrying voters were stuck due to the road\u2019s closure.<\/p>\n

PML-N slams \u2018blame game\u2019<\/h2>\n

Earlier in the day, PML-N\u2019s Muqam called on political parties not to indulge in a \u201cblame game\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing is to be gained from a blame game,\u201d he said during a press conference in Islamabad, adding that law enforcement personnel were also deployed to ensure security.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey should not act in a manner that \u2018why was I not given seats\u2019,\u201d Muqam said, stressing that it was the public whose votes allocate seats.<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

The minister urged all political parties to let the electoral process take place in a peaceful manner, stressing that making allegations without evidence cannot change the results.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Muqam also highlighted \u201carbitrary transfers and administrative decisions\u201d in AJK, where the PPP is in power. He said the moves \u201cseemed discriminatory\u201d.<\/p>\n

He recalled that the PML-N had accepted the results<\/a> of elections<\/a> in Gilgit-Baltistan held in June, where the PPP emerged the winner and formed<\/a> the government.<\/p>\n

Defending the results from Mirpur, Muqam asserted that the people voted for PML-N due to its performance.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan also held a press conference where he called on the Election Commission to play its role in \u201cproving\u201d the election process in AJK to be free and fair.<\/p>\n

\u201cAzad Kashmir is an international issue \u2026 people\u2019s eyes are on it,\u201d the former MNA said, adding that if the commission did not recognise the public and assure a free election, \u201ctomorrow we will not be able to ratify this election under any circumstance\u201d.<\/p>\n

He recalled that after the Mirpur polls, there was a detailed discussion within the party about boycotting the second and third phases. However, the party leadership refused the idea of a boycott.<\/p>\n

Chan cautioned that if the PPP was \u201ccompelled\u201d to move towards such steps for the third phase, it would benefit those who wanted to prove the election \u201cdirty\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see this becoming an ultra Form-47 election,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He said that in negotiations in Muzaffarabad, the PPP had provided proof of rigging in four constituencies, as well as agreeing to hold re-polling in any other constituencies in which there were objections.<\/p>\n

He also called for a benchmark for voting, saying, \u201cGeneral polling was less than 30 per cent. But wherever you won, it was 80pc, 90pc, 75pc \u2026 this doesn\u2019t even happen in urban cities like Islamabad and Lahore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

\u2018Admission of rigging\u2019<\/h2>\n

The PPP and the PML-N \u2014 coalition partners in the Centre \u2014 have been engaged in a war of words<\/u><\/a> since the PML-N emerged in the lead during the first phase of polls. The PPP has accused<\/u><\/a> the PML-N of rigging in Mirpur and demanded re-polling.<\/p>\n

Scuffles, violence and allegations of rigging<\/u><\/a> had marred the polls in Mirpur, with the PML-N and PPP accusing each other of electoral malpractice.<\/p>\n

To defuse the tensions, senior leaders of both parties met multiple times in Azad Kashmir over the weekend to \u201cexplore a legal resolution\u201d to the dispute. The latest round of talks followed two earlier meetings on Thursday and Friday.<\/p>\n

A PML-N source told Dawn<\/em> that discussions focused on the PPP\u2019s allegations and its demand for re-polling in certain constituencies. \u201cIt was not planned or pre-planned rigging but isolated acts at places where supporters of one candidate enjoyed numerical dominance over their opponents. Such incidents have unfortunately been part of the territory\u2019s polling atmosphere and have also been witnessed in previous elections,\u201d the source quoted the PML-N leaders as telling their counterparts.<\/p>\n

Referring to this statement in a X post on Sunday, Bilawal said: \u201cDespite this admission from the rigging party, the [EC] has still failed to take action on our complaints from phase 1. Had they done so, the credibility of today\u2019s phase 2 election would have been restored.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe PPP reserves the right to protest and demand re-election in phases where rigging took place, and the election commission failed to act. We have already sent multiple written complaints about ballot stuffing and illegal removal of our polling agents in today\u2019s election. It is hoped the election commission acts swiftly and at least maintains fairness in round 2.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n<\/figure>\n

According to the sources, during meetings with the PML-N, PPP initially raised objections to the results in four constituencies \u2014 Charhoi, Sehnsa and Nakyal in Kotli district, and Barnala in Bhimber district during phase-I of the election. However, it later withdrew its allegations regarding Sehnsa and Barnala.<\/p>\n

Saturday\u2019s discussions centred on Charhoi, where PPP AJK President Chaudhry Yasin lost to PML-N\u2019s Raja Riasat, and Nakyal, where PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi was defeated by PML-N\u2019s Raja Ayaz Ahmed.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Sharif family also held discussions<\/a> at Jati Umra. According to a statement issued by the PM\u2019s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held consultations with his elder brother and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif at Jati Umra to take stock of mounting political challenges, including the rift with the PPP over the AJK elections.<\/p>\n

A senior PML-N leader told Dawn<\/em> that the party leadership had taken serious note of the PPP chairman\u2019s increasingly combative rhetoric against the Sharif family over the AJK polls and his warning that the PPP could reconsider its support for the federal government if the remaining phases of the elections were manipulated in favour of the PML-N.<\/p>\n

Election numbers<\/h2>\n

According to the AJK Election Commission, 207 candidates are in the fray for the nine constituencies in Muzaffarabad division, comprising five seats in Muzaffarabad district and two each in Neelum and Jhelum Valley districts.<\/p>\n

Another 137 candidates are contesting the 12 refugee constituencies, including six seats representing refugees from the Kashmir Valley and six from Jammu.<\/p>\n

A total of 809,621 voters are registered in Muzaffarabad division, while the 12 refugee constituencies have a combined electorate of 438,834. According to the commission, 1,483 polling stations have been established across Muzaffarabad division, of which 533 have been declared highly sensitive, 741 sensitive and 209 normal. Another 1,057 polling stations have been set up for the 12 refugee constituencies.<\/p>\n

Out of 12 refugee seats, seven seats are in Punjab, one seat is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, one seat (Jammu-VI) is divided between Pun\u00adjab, Islamabad and KP, one seat is divided between Sindh and Balo\u00adchistan (Valley-I), and one seat (Jammu-I) is shared among refugees living in Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh. Valley-V seat is divided between Punjab and Islamabad.<\/p>\n

In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, about 27,000 registered male and female voters will elect lawmakers for LA-43 (Valley-IV), LA-44 (Valley-V), and LA-39 (Jammu-VI) seats. A total of 175 polling stations have been established, out of which 18 polling stations in Rawalpindi have been declared sensitive. A total of 34 candidates are in the fray.<\/p>\n

In Gujrat, almost 2,000 policemen will perform security duties at scores of polling stations for the LA-38 elections<\/a>. The total number of polling stations in these districts is 115, with 75 in Gujrat, 24 in Wazirabad and 16 in Mandi Bahauddin. The total number of voters is 50,225 in the entire constituency. As many as 11 candidates are contesting this seat.<\/p>\n

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