The Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Election Commission has indefinitely postponed voting for seven of the eleven seats scheduled for the third phase of elections, initially set for August 10. This decision follows concerns regarding the law and order situation, exacerbated by violent protests during the previous polling phases on July 27 and August 2. The Commission has confirmed that voting will proceed in three constituencies in Bagh district and one in Haveli, while elections in seven constituencies in Poonch district and Pallandri in Sudhnoti will be delayed.

In an official statement, the Election Commission indicated, “The electoral process in seven constituencies of Poonch district and Sudhnoti’s Pallandri will not be held on August 10.” The statement further elaborated on receiving a report from the home secretary that highlighted significant concerns regarding the law and order situation in the affected areas. The Commission stated that new polling dates for the affected constituencies would be announced later.

Political Reactions and Context

The decision to postpone polling has been influenced by requests from political figures and candidates seeking a delay in light of the current unrest. The Commission expressed its commitment to reviewing the situation thoroughly before determining new election dates. These elections are part of the process for choosing representatives for 45 directly elected seats in the Kashmir Legislative Assembly, which has a total of 53 seats, including eight designated for women, technocrats, and clerics.

India has consistently stated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of its territory and has accused Pakistan of illegal occupation. Recently, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs characterised the local body elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a futile exercise that does not reflect the actual condition on the ground. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that the situation involves significant public unrest rather than a proper electoral process.

The MEA highlighted ongoing crackdowns on protesters in the region, urging the international community to be sceptical of Pakistan’s claims regarding human rights in this context. The ongoing tensions are entwined with the broader political dynamics in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where public protests against the election process have gained momentum.

Recent Electoral Developments

The ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), emerged victorious in both previous polling phases, securing 24 seats overall. In the first phase on July 27, the PML-N claimed nine of the thirteen seats, while the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) acquired four. Following the second phase on August 2, amidst reports of violence and allegations of manipulation, PML-N secured 16 seats compared to the five won by the PPP, revealing a significant lead for the PML-N.

Controversy has also surrounded the inclusion of refugee seats within the voting process, attracting attention from various political groups. The Joint Awami Action Committee, which has been protesting since June, alleges that these seats are manipulated to install a government favoured by the establishment. They claim that over 40 individuals were killed during the first phase of polling, with ongoing violence resulting in significant casualties since early June. However, government officials have contested these figures, asserting that actual casualties from protests are considerably lower.

As the situation remains unstable with the postponement of seven constituencies, the PML-N maintains its lead in the ongoing electoral process, with the next phase still set to proceed in other areas on August 10. The political landscape in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir continues to evolve amid concerns over security and the legitimacy of the electoral process.

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