Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Monday commenced the first phase of its local legislative elections under heavy security following weeks of deadly unrest that claimed nearly 40 lives.
The election, involving about 3.8 million eligible voters, is being conducted in three phases after authorities cited security concerns and limited personnel. Voting began in the Mirpur district, where turnout was reported to be low due to the summer heat and ongoing political tensions.
The polls follow weeks of protests demanding electoral reforms, which escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Authorities have since imposed widespread internet and mobile service restrictions across much of the region, prompting complaints from candidates who said the blackout disrupted their campaigns.
Independent candidate Malik Alauddin said the communication restrictions forced him to rely on traditional campaigning methods, including door-to-door visits and community meetings in remote villages.
The unrest has largely been driven by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a protest movement that initially demanded subsidised flour and cheaper electricity but later expanded its demands to include the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees. The group was banned by the local government under anti-terrorism laws in June.
JAAC has urged residents to boycott the election, arguing that the reserved seats unfairly benefit major Pakistani political parties and influence the composition of the regional assembly.
The remaining two phases of the election are expected to take place in the coming weeks as authorities seek to complete the voting process amid heightened security and political tensions.
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