MUZAFFARABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured one seat each in the delayed polling for two Muzaffarabad constituencies, completing the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections.
Polling was held on Tuesday in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I and LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II after voting scheduled for August 2 was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
According to unofficial and unconfirmed results, PML-N candidate Noreen Arif won LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I with 18,919 votes, defeating Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidate Sardar Tabarak Ali, who secured 18,621 votes.
In LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II, PPP candidate Bazil Ali Naqvi emerged victorious with 28,170 votes, while PML-N candidate Chaudhry Shehzad finished second with 26,864 votes.
How do the latest results change the AJK election tally?
With the announcement of results from the two postponed constituencies, all 21 seats contested during the second phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections have now been decided.
The latest outcome raises the PML-N’s tally to 15 seats, while the PPP has secured six seats in the second phase.
The second phase of polling was conducted across 19 constituencies on August 2, including seven seats in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 constituencies reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan. Voting in the remaining two Muzaffarabad seats was delayed because of unfavorable weather conditions.
The AJK Election Commission has confirmed that polling in all constituencies of Poonch Division will proceed as scheduled on August 10, urging voters not to pay attention to rumours regarding any postponement.
What allegations emerged after the Muzaffarabad results?
Following the announcement of the results, the PPP alleged irregularities in the polling process in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I.
PPP leader Sherry Rehman claimed polling staff and ballot papers were found at the residence of a PML-N supporter and said video evidence had been submitted to the AJK Election Commission. She called for a transparent investigation and demanded legal action against those responsible if the allegations were proven.
The PML-N rejected the accusations, with Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah describing the video circulated on social media as fabricated and part of a disinformation campaign.
Speaking to the media, Sanaullah said no formal complaints had been received from polling stations during the voting process and urged the PPP to present any evidence before the Election Commission instead of making political allegations. He maintained that claims of electoral irregularities should be supported by evidence and investigated through the legal process.