Key facts
- The third round of regional elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir was delayed in seven constituencies due to security concerns.
- The ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) has already won 24 of the 34 contested seats.
- The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) accused the PML-N of electoral fraud.
- Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) boycotted the polls.
- Recent protests in the region have led to clashes with security forces and a reported death toll of over 30.
The third round of regional elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir was disrupted by delays and security concerns on Monday, weeks after deadly protests and sweeping restrictions were imposed. Authorities postponed polls in seven of the 11 remaining constituencies due to law-and-order issues, according to an Election Commission official.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) has already secured a majority by winning 24 of the 34 seats contested in earlier rounds and is poised to form the regional government. However, the party faces accusations of rigging from its chief competitor, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). A PPP leader cited polling delays as evidence of electoral fraud, while a PML-N leader dismissed the claims.
Candidates affiliated with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) boycotted the elections, alleging rigging. Recent protests in the region have escalated, with leaders of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claiming over 30 people were killed in clashes with security forces following the first round of voting. The JAAC, which has rallied against longstanding electoral rules, was banned by the regional government in June. The committee also accused Islamabad of manipulating local politics through the use of reserved seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir.