New Delhi: Pakistan occupied Kashmir is voting in the first phase of its Legislative Assembly elections, with more than 1.4 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots across the Mirpur Division. The polling is taking place under heightened security amid allegations of military interference and boycott calls from sections of the political opposition.
Voting is being held in 13 Assembly constituencies spread across the districts of Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli. More than 2,500 polling stations have been set up for the exercise, with election materials reaching all designated locations before polling began. To encourage voter participation, authorities declared July 27 a public holiday across the Mirpur Division.
The electoral contest is largely centred on Pakistan’s major political parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Istehkam e Pakistan Party. Nearly 300 candidates are contesting the 13 seats in this phase. Kotli district has emerged as the most competitive region, with 135 candidates contesting six constituencies, while over 750,000 voters in Mirpur and Bhimber will determine the winners in the remaining seven seats.
The election, however, has been overshadowed by renewed allegations of “election engineering” involving Pakistan’s military establishment. Critics have repeatedly accused the military of influencing political outcomes in both Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir through its influence over security and administrative institutions. Pakistani authorities have rejected such claims, maintaining that the elections are being conducted in accordance with the law.
Adding to the controversy, the Awami Action Committee has called for a complete boycott of the polls, describing the electoral process as fraudulent and claiming it does not represent the democratic aspirations of the people. The organisation has urged voters to stay away from polling stations, alleging that the outcome has already been predetermined.
Authorities have also imposed restrictions on political rallies and public gatherings ahead of polling, citing security concerns. A large number of security personnel have been deployed across sensitive constituencies to maintain law and order during the voting process.
The first phase of the elections is being closely watched for voter turnout as well as the performance of Pakistan’s mainstream political parties. The results are expected to influence the region’s political landscape while reigniting debate over governance, democratic representation and the role of Pakistan’s military in the electoral process.
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