The third and final phase of elections for Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Legislative Assembly proceeded Monday with significantly reduced participation. Voting took place in only four of the eleven constituencies originally scheduled, with more than 800 polling stations opening in the Bagh and Haveli districts. Approximately 460,000 registered voters were eligible to participate in the abbreviated polling day.
Election officials postponed voting in the remaining seven constituencies following weeks of civil unrest and security concerns. The disruptions stem from ongoing protests by a local action committee opposing twelve reserved legislative seats designated for displaced Kashmiris living elsewhere in Pakistan. Violence associated with these demonstrations has resulted in considerable casualties, with residents and human rights organizations citing figures exceeding fifty deaths, though government statements provided different casualty numbers.
The postponed constituencies span five locations in Poonch division and two in Sudhnoti district, with authorities indicating that new polling dates would be announced shortly. The scaled-back election reflects broader instability affecting the region, including an extended internet shutdown lasting over fifty days. Voter turnout in the first two phases fell below historical averages, recording 46 and 53 percent respectively compared to previous elections that exceeded 60 percent participation.
Notable candidates competing in Monday’s reduced voting included the sitting prime minister and two former regional leaders. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan People’s Party had secured the majority of seats in earlier voting phases.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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