The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) are leading in two constituencies in Muzaffarabad, according to early results reported by Dawn. The counts come from voting that was completed in the two delayed seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative elections.
Polling in those two constituencies concluded after a delay, and the PPP has alleged that rigging took place during the process, The Express Tribune reported. Dawn's coverage indicates that the PPP and IPP hold the advantage in the initial tally, though final results have not been confirmed.
The AJK elections have drawn competing claims from major parties. Geo News reported that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has claimed it secured a simple majority and is set to form the government in AJK, according to party leader Rana Sanaullah. Meanwhile, a statement from PML-N's Talal Chaudhry attributed the party's performance to its track record, as carried by Dunya News.
In a separate reaction, Azma Bokhari, a PML-N spokesperson, said voters in Kashmir had chosen public service, according to Business Recorder. The competing statements reflect a contested political landscape as counting continues.
The delayed polling in the two Muzaffarabad constituencies adds a layer of uncertainty to the overall outcome. The PPP's rigging allegation, in particular, could lead to further disputes over the legitimacy of results in those seats.
What to watch next: Whether the PPP's rigging complaint triggers an official review or legal challenge, and how the final tallies in the two delayed constituencies affect the PML-N's claim to a governing majority.
