Final vote delayed in parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir over security fears

Pakistan-administered Kashmir's final vote in the third round of regional elections was delayed in seven out of 11 constituencies last week, citing security concerns about the law-and-order situation, according to Raja Shakeel of the local Election Commission. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) leads with 24 of the 34 seats contested, while the chief competitor, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has accused the PML-N of electoral fraud.

The PML-N has rejected these allegations as baseless and declared its intention to form the regional government. Candidates from the PTI, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have boycotted the polls over alleged rigging. Protests in the region erupted into deadly clashes after the first round of voting in late July, with over 30 people reportedly killed in Rawalakot town.

Road and internet access to the affected area remain restricted due to ongoing tensions. Twelve of 45 directly elected seats in the local assembly are reserved for refugee constituencies from Indian-administered Kashmir, but the JAAC, banned in June, has accused Islamabad of manipulating local politics by filling these seats with non-resident candidates, a claim Islamabad denies.