The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the leading party in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections on Monday [1].
This result strengthens the PML-N's position in the Pakistan-administered region, potentially shifting the balance of power in the legislative assembly. The outcome also intensifies political friction between the PML-N and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).
In the second phase of voting, the PML-N won 14 of the 19 contested seats [1]. The party also showed significant strength in refugee constituencies, securing eight of the 10 Pakistan-based seats declared so far [2]. These results follow a strategic rollout of candidates that began earlier this year.
On June 20, the PML-N issued party tickets for 37 of the 45 AJK constituencies [3]. This wide reach in candidate placement contributed to the party's current dominance across the region, a move intended to maximize their footprint in the assembly.
Amid the electoral success, the political atmosphere remains tense. Atta Tarar, a prominent PML-N figure, used the occasion to criticize the PPP. While the PPP remained competitive in several seats, they trailed behind the PML-N's performance in this phase [4].
Reports of the victory come alongside claims of rigging in some areas [1]. Despite these disputes, the PML-N continues to maintain its lead as the final results for the assembly are tabulated.
“PML-N won 14 of the 19 contested seats in phase 2.”
The PML-N's dominance in the second phase of the AJK elections suggests a consolidation of power that may allow them to dictate the legislative agenda in the region. By securing a majority of both contested and refugee seats, the party is positioning itself as the primary political force in Azad Kashmir, which may further strain its relationship with the PPP at the national level.
