Protests, Boycott Overshadow Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Elections.

The second phase of legislative elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been held under tight security amid widespread protests, an election boycott, and weeks of political unrest.

Polling took place in Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, where many businesses remained closed and public transport was suspended following days of demonstrations linked to demands for electoral reforms.

The unrest began in early June after authorities banned the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a pressure group that initially protested rising living costs before expanding its campaign to demand the removal of 12 legislative seats reserved for displaced Kashmiris living elsewhere in Pakistan.

The protests have resulted in deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Rights groups and local residents claim that more than 50 people have been killed since the unrest began, although the government has not released an official death toll. JAAC leaders have urged residents to boycott the elections and are not participating in the vote.

Security officials rejected accusations that law enforcement officers were responsible for civilian deaths, saying several police officers were killed and hundreds injured during violent confrontations. Authorities also accused some protesters of attempting to disrupt the voting process by interfering with polling materials.

Many residents expressed frustration with the political leadership, saying they refused to vote because of the government's handling of the protests. Others, however, cast their ballots, arguing that participation remained important despite the ongoing tensions.

Heavy rainfall and landslides forced election officials to suspend voting in two constituencies, with fresh polls scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

According to the Election Commission, voter turnout in the second phase was nearly 50 percent, slightly higher than the first phase but lower than participation recorded in previous elections.

Preliminary results showed the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leading in most declared seats, while the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) secured several others. The PPP has alleged electoral irregularities, claims that election officials have denied.

Attention now shifts to the final phase of voting in the Poonch division on August 10, where further demonstrations are expected as political tensions continue across the region.

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