Key facts
- Pakistan Muslim League (N) has won 25 seats in the 53-seat assembly in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
- The elections have been disrupted by deadly clashes and security concerns.
- Voting in several constituencies was postponed due to unrest.
- Analysts expect the PML-N to secure a majority, partly due to reserved seats.
- The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party boycotted the elections over fraud concerns.
- The Pakistan Peoples Party has accused the PML-N of vote rigging.
Pakistan's ruling party, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N), is positioned to win a majority in the elections for the Pakistan-administered Kashmir assembly, despite significant unrest and deadly clashes that have marred the voting process. The PML-N had secured 25 seats in the 53-seat assembly as of Wednesday, with analysts expecting further wins in upcoming rounds and through reserved seats.
The elections, originally scheduled in three rounds, have faced postponements due to security concerns, with voting in seven constituencies delayed and a rerun scheduled for 23 polling stations in two others. The unrest has led to road closures and an internet blackout, overshadowing the formation of the region's next government.
A key point of contention is the 12 reserved seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, which the PML-N largely won. Protesters argue these seats are often filled by individuals with little connection to the region's struggles. The Joint Awami Action Committee claimed over 30 people died in clashes in Rawalakot, a figure denied by Pakistani authorities who characterized protesters as India-backed militants.
Political analyst Hasan-Askari Rizvi noted that the incoming government will face substantial political, economic, and security challenges, particularly with the refugee seats being a flashpoint. He predicted the region would "remain at boiling point."
The political landscape was further complicated by the boycott of the main opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, over electoral fraud concerns. This left the PML-N to compete against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has secured 12 seats and accused the PML-N of vote rigging. A local election official stated there were no major irregularities. Sensitive votes are still anticipated from protest hubs like Rawalakot and Sudhnoti.