Protests, boycott cast shadow on Pakistan-administered Kashmir election

What the report says

Polling in the second phase of regional elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir took place on Aug. 2 in Muzaffarabad amid a broader wave of unrest, shutdowns and a boycott campaign led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), Al Jazeera reported. The vote followed days of protests over prices, governance and the role of 12 assembly seats reserved for displaced Kashmiris living elsewhere in Pakistan. Authorities split the election into three phases after weeks of marches, negotiations and crackdowns.

Al Jazeera said the second round began under heavy security, with police and paramilitary forces deployed and several services disrupted. Markets, banks, petrol stations and public transport were closed or suspended in parts of Muzaffarabad, while an internet shutdown that has lasted more than 50 days continued to complicate campaigning and reporting. The outlet reported that residents and rights groups say more than 50 people have been killed in the unrest, including security personnel, though the government has not given an official toll. JAAC has said more than 60 civilians have died.

The article described a divided mood among voters, with some residents refusing to participate in protest against the crackdown and others casting ballots for established parties such as the Pakistan People’s Party. The region’s police chief denied responsibility for civilian deaths and accused some protesters of trying to disrupt polling. Al Jazeera also reported allegations of violence between rival party supporters and claims of rigging, which election officials rejected.

According to the chief election commissioner, turnout was nearly 50 percent in the second phase, and results released so far showed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz ahead in most declared seats. Attention is now shifting to the Poonch division, a JAAC stronghold, where more demonstrations are expected before the final vote on Aug. 10.