Now Reading: PML-N wins first phase of PoK assembly polls amid rigging allegations
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PML-N wins first phase of PoK assembly polls amid rigging allegations
PML-N wins first phase of PoK assembly polls amid rigging allegations
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz won nine of 13 seats in the first phase of elections for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Legislative Assembly, the Election Commission said on July 28. The Pakistan People's Party secured…
The Story in Brief
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz won nine of 13 seats in the first phase of elections for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Legislative Assembly, the Election Commission said on July 28. The Pakistan People's Party secured the remaining four seats. PPP leaders alleged massive rigging, saying their winning constituencies were handed to PML-N. PML-N adviser Rana Sanaullah dismissed the charge, calling the vote largely peaceful.
The second and final phases of polling run through August 10, boycotted by PTI's PoK unit and the Joint Awami Action Committee. Weeks of JAAC protests demanding abolition of refugee seats led to clashes; India says 90 civilians were killed in Islamabad's crackdown. India calls the assembly elections a farce and regards PoK as illegally occupied territory.
The Indian Opinion
Pakistan's claim to hold democratic elections in PoK rings hollow when the JACC protesters demanding basic rights met a crackdown that killed 90 civilians, as India's MEA noted. Media curbs and a boycott by PTI's local unit further undercut the process. The real test: will the final result show a 90% turnout, or will independent observers confirm the PPP's complaint that its winning seats were gift-wrapped for the PML-N?
Sources (2): thehindu.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
