PML-N Wins 14 More Seats in Second Phase of AJK Polls, Strengthening Path to Government
By Editorial Desk | Team Chatzyr
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has further strengthened its position in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, securing 14 of the 18 seats contested in the second phase, according to unofficial results announced on Monday. The outcome places the party in a commanding position to form the next AJK government.
Following the results, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the PML-N leadership and successful candidates, saying the victory reflected the people's confidence in the party's leadership and policies.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Shehbaz credited PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and the party's campaign for the continued electoral success. He said the development, prosperity and welfare of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir would remain the party's top priority and described the elections as another step towards strengthening the democratic process.
According to the unofficial results, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won the remaining four seats contested in the second phase. Combined with its earlier victories, the PML-N now claims to have secured 23 seats in the 45-member AJK Legislative Assembly.
Speaking at a press conference, Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, said the PML-N had achieved the simple majority required to form the next AJK government. He rejected the PPP's allegations of election rigging and urged the opposition to pursue legal channels if it had complaints.
The PPP, however, maintained its allegations of electoral malpractice, violence and security lapses during polling. The party has called for investigations into the reported incidents, while election authorities have not announced any findings supporting the claims.
Polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I (Kutla) and at 71 polling stations in LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II (Lachhrat) was postponed because landslides and severe weather prevented election staff and materials from reaching the affected areas. Voting in those locations is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
The third and final phase of the AJK elections will be held in 11 constituencies of Poonch Division, after which the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is expected to be formed.
Why it matters: The latest results give the PML-N a clear advantage in the race to form the next AJK government, while opposition allegations are likely to keep the electoral process under political scrutiny.
Published on Chatzyr.net
Written By Editorial Desk | Team Chatzyr
Disclaimer: This report is based on unofficial election results and official statements available at the time of publication. Final certified results and any subsequent legal proceedings may affect the outcome.
