PML-N poised to grab lion’s share in AJK
RAWALPINDI: People receive ballot papers from election officials as they wait to cast their votes at a polling station in Millat Colony, during the second phase of elections to the AJK Legislative Assembly.—Online • Initial tally shows ‘N’ leading second phase of elections • PPP set to win two refugee, two territorial seats; alleges widespread rigging • Polling in two constituencies postponed…
Muzaffarabad, capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), witnessed tense polling during the second phase of elections to the state's Legislative Assembly. Preliminary results indicate the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leading over the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). The Election Commission officially notified the results of five refugee constituencies, all won by the PML-N, while unofficial reports suggest the PML-N also secured victory in most of these constituencies and several territorial ones. The PPP won two territorial constituencies and two refugee seats.
Polling was postponed in two constituencies, LA-27 and LA-28, due to landslides and bad weather. In LA-31, clashes between PML-N and PPP workers erupted, with the PPP alleging one of its members was killed. The PML-N rejected these claims, stating the man had suffered a cardiac arrest. The PPP accused the PML-N of security lapses, firing, and intimidation, also alleging an attempt on their candidate's life.
Despite these incidents, PML-N leader Bilawal claimed the party "crossed all limits" and accused its rivals of using violence.
Voters expressed excitement about their first time casting ballots, with one 22-year-old student, Syeda Warisha, saying, "It's a new experience and I am excited." The PML-N is anticipated to gain the majority of seats in the Assembly, potentially consolidating its lead over the PPP.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
