The final phase of legislative elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir is underway, though security concerns have forced officials to postpone voting in several constituencies.
The third and final phase of the legislative elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has commenced under significantly altered circumstances. While voters were originally expected to cast ballots across 11 constituencies, administrative and security challenges have forced a major reduction in the scope of the polling. Currently, only four constituencies are participating in this phase, with the remaining seven postponed to a future date that has yet to be determined
The active polling stations, numbering over 800, are situated across the Bagh and Haveli districts within the Poonch division. These stations opened their doors at 8:00 AM local time, catering to an electorate of approximately 460,000 registered voters. Despite the localized nature of this phase, the high-stakes political environment remains palpable, as key political figures, including the incumbent Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, face competitive races to retain their legislative positions.
The decision to scale back the election was driven e Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have been the primary catalyst for the current instability. Demonstrators have been vocal in their demands for the removal of 12 legislative seats currently reserved for displaced Kashmiris residing in other parts of Pakistan, arguing that the current structure does not adequately represent the local population's immediate needs.
The situation escalated into violence, resulting in significant loss of life. While official casualty figures remain subject to debate between government authorities and independent rights groups, reports indicate that dozens of individuals have been killed, including members of law enforcement and paramilitary units. This atmosphere of insecurity has led to a heavy security presence and a prolonged internet blackout in the Poonch division, which has now persisted for over 50 days, severely complicating the democratic process.
The broader election cycle for the 53-member Legislative Assembly has been marked t phase, held in the Mirpur division, voter turnout was recorded at 46 percent, while the second phase in the Muzaffarabad division saw a slight increase to 53 percent. Both figures represent a decline from the 60 percent participation rates observed in the 2016 and 2021 elections, suggesting that the ongoing unrest and political polarization may be alienating segments of the electorate.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) remain the primary contenders in these contests, having secured a majority of the seats contested in the earlier phases. As the government attempts to stabilize the region and finalize the remaining electoral districts, the political future of the territory remains uncertain. The ban on the JAAC and the restrictions placed on international media coverage underscore the sensitivity of the current political crisis and the government's efforts to exert control over the narrative during this volatile period.
Looking ahead, the government faces the arduous task of rescheduling the postponed polls in the Poonch and Sudhnoti districts. The success of these future elections will likely depend on the authorities' ability to address the root causes of the civil unrest while restoring public confidence in the electoral system. The current state of affairs highlights the deep-seated tensions between the regional administration and movements seeking significant institutional reform.
The international community continues to observe the situation as local officials navigate the balance between maintaining security and upholding democratic mandates. With the internet blackout still in effect in key areas, the challenge of maintaining transparent communication and oversight remains a primary concern for observers monitoring the transition toward a fully elected assembly. The outcome of the remaining contests, once they are held, will be pivotal in determining the long-term governance structure of the region.