The initial phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was significantly disrupted by widespread violence, accusations of electoral malpractice, and clashes between political factions, resulting in at least one fatality. Reports indicate that ballot boxes were seized and destroyed in the Bhimber district, while a worker for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was killed in Kotli.
Polling for members of the Legislative Assembly in the Mirpur Division proceeded under a heavy security presence. However, the electoral process was overshadowed by multiple incidents of violence and competing claims of misconduct from various political parties and the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society-led political alliance. As per information available with Tahir Rihat, the most severe election-related incident occurred in Bhimber, where violence erupted at a polling station amidst clashes between political workers. Pakistani media outlets quoted officials confirming that a ballot box was taken and subsequently set ablaze, destroying the votes it contained. Authorities stated that the matter would be addressed according to election regulations, with a decision on potential re-polling to be made.
This incident fueled accusations from political groups that attempts were being made to manipulate the electoral process through coercive means. Election authorities, however, maintained that polling continued in most areas and that these isolated events did not reflect the overall conduct of the elections. The day was also marked by fatal violence in Kotli district, where the PPP reported that one of its workers, Mukhtar Younus, was killed during an altercation in the Nakyal area. The party implicated political rivals in the death, though opposing groups contested these allegations. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The violence unfolded concurrently with a broader confrontation between the authorities and the JAAC. This alliance has been spearheading a grassroots movement in PoK, advocating for demands related to governance, economic issues, and political reforms. In a series of social media posts, the JAAC alleged that security forces opened fire on civilians in Rawalakot, claiming multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. The group accused authorities of employing excessive force and questioned the legitimacy of holding elections in what it described as an environment of repression. The JAAC further alleged that the election process was being portrayed as democratic despite the presence of violence, restrictions, and the use of force against protesters. The group disseminated messages reporting heavy firing in Rawalakot and appealed for medical assistance.
Separately, the PPP’s election cell lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging armed interference during the vote counting process in LA-1 Mirpur. In its complaint, the party asserted that armed individuals were present at polling stations in Union Council Onah, disrupting the counting and compilation of results. The PPP urged immediate intervention from election authorities and the deployment of security personnel to safeguard election materials. As polling progressed, political parties exchanged accusations of violating election rules, including attempts to influence voters and interfere with the voting process. Supporters of rival groups refuted these allegations, accusing their opponents of politicizing isolated incidents.
Election Commission and government officials stated that security arrangements were in place and that polling was completed despite disturbances in some areas. The elections are taking place against a backdrop of escalating political tensions in PoK, where debates concerning governance, representation, autonomy, and Islamabad’s role have intensified in recent years. The involvement of the JAAC has introduced an additional layer of confrontation, with the group challenging the established political order and questioning the credibility of the electoral process. The conclusion of the first phase of voting has been overshadowed by violence, allegations of manipulation, and a deepening political dispute over the integrity of the process.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.