The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday took an early lead in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, winning five of the first seven declared seats after polling concluded in 13 constituencies of the Mirpur Division, with the vote was marred by scuffles and allegations of rigging. The process of receiving unofficial and provisional results was underway till the filing of this report. According to the complete, unofficial results from seven of the 13 constituencies, the PML-N has won five seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has secured two.
According to details, PML-N candidates emerged victorious in LA-1 Mirpur, LA-4 Mirpur, LA-7 Bhimber-3, and LA-9 Kotli-2, while PPP candidates won LA-2 Mirpur and LA-3 Mirpur. Voters cast their ballots in all 13 constituencies across the three districts of the Mirpur DivisionMirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber. Special security arrangements were put in place to ensure the maintenance of law and order throughout the voting process.
The elections are being held in three phases under a revised schedule announced by AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal on July 21. The first phase covers all 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division, while polling in Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 refugee constituencies will be held on August 2, followed by Poonch (Rawalakot) Division on August 10. Polling commenced at 8am with police, the Pakistan Army, Rangers and other law enforcement personnel deployed at polling stations to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
More than 1.4 million registered voters are eligible to vote across Mirpur Division's 13 constituencies, comprising four seats in Mirpur district, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli. The Election Commission has established 2,454 polling stations and 3,701 polling booths, while around 22,000 election officials have been deployed to conduct the polling process. Authorities have declared 1,965 polling stations as sensitive or highly sensitive.
To maintain law and order, more than 19,000 security personnel have been deployed across the division, including 17,000 police personnel, while 2,100 Army troops remain on standby as a backup force. A total of 288 candidates contested Monday's election. According to the Election Commission, votes were to be cast at 2,316 polling stations, of …
Summary from source