Polls in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir put off amid security concerns; UN takes note

Polling in the last phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is proceeding amidst violent clashes and security crackdowns, which have led to the deaths of dozens of protestors. Four out of the 11 seats for the final phase held polling on Monday, while the remaining seven seats have been postponed indefinitely due to the deteriorating security situation.

The Pakistan Muslim League-N has claimed victory in 24 seats, ahead of the July 27 and August 2 phases of the election where 34 of the 45 seats went to the polls. The now-banned civil society group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has announced a boycott of the elections, citing widespread rigging and the party's claim to power in the region after a decade.

The election campaign has been marred by weeks of protests led by the JAAC, demanding greater political rights for local people and expressing concerns over civil liberties. The UN has expressed concern over the security situation in PoK, urging accountability for actions against people engaging in peaceful protest.