MUZAFFARABAD (Web Desk) – The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured one seat each as unofficial and unconfirmed results from the two delayed constituencies in Muzaffarabad Division completed the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections.
Polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I and LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II was held on Tuesday after the election in both constituencies was postponed on August 2 due to adverse weather conditions.
PML-N, PPP split delayed constituencies
According to unofficial and unconfirmed results from all 197 polling stations in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I, PML-N candidate Noreen Arif won the seat with 18,919 votes, narrowly 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's Chaudhry Shehzad finished second after receiving 26,864 votes, according to unofficial results from all 174 polling stations.
With the declaration of results from the two postponed constituencies, unofficial results for all 21 seats contested in the second phase of the AJK elections have now been announced.
The latest results increased PML-N's tally to 15 seats, while the PPP secured six seats in the second phase of the elections.
Polling in Poonch Division on August 10
An AJK Election Commission spokesperson said polling in all constituencies of Poonch Division would be held as scheduled on August 10 and urged voters not to pay attention to rumours.
The spokesperson advised voters to exercise their right to vote according to the announced schedule, adding that the Election Commission would immediately inform the public if any changes became necessary.
PPP alleges irregularities
PPP leader Sherry Rehman alleged that polling staff assigned to LA-27 had been found at the residence of a PML-N supporter along with ballot papers.
She said videos of the alleged incident had been submitted to the election authorities as evidence and called on the AJK Election Commission to initiate immediate administrative and legal action, conduct a transparent investigation and hold those responsible accountable.
Rehman questioned why the polling staff concerned continued performing election duties despite what she described as evidence of irregularities. She said the incident had raised serious concerns about the transparency and impartiality of the electoral process and called for those responsible for influencing the election to be dealt with in accordance with the law.
PML-N dismisses allegations
Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah rejected the PPP's allegations, describing the video related to LA-27 as fabricated and part of what he called a disinformation campaign.
Speaking during a televised interview, he said no complaints had been received regarding polling staff at any polling station and challenged the PPP to present any evidence before the Election Commission. He questioned whether the party had filed any formal complaint against polling officials that would enable the commission to seek an explanation.