PPP, PML-N finish even in Muzaffarabad
The PML-N and the PPP secured one seat each, as unofficial and unconfirmed results from the two constituencies where polling had been delayed brought the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir AJK Legislative Assembly elections to a close on Tuesday.
The PML-N won LA-27 (Muzaffarabad-I), while the PPP clinched LA-28 (Muzaffarabad-II).
According to unofficial and unconfirmed results compiled after counting was completed at all polling stations.
The polling in the two constituencies was held on Tuesday after voting scheduled for August 2 was postponed because adverse weather conditions disrupted the transportation of polling staff and election material to the affected areas.
The conclusion of polling in the two constituencies completed the electoral process in the Muzaffarabad Division, where the second phase of the AJK elections was held amid heightened security and close competition between the major political parties.
In LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I, PML-N candidate Noreen Arif emerged victorious after securing 18,919 votes from all 197 polling stations, according to unofficial and unconfirmed results.
She defeated Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidate Sardar Tabarak Ali, who received 18,621 votes, finishing just 298 votes behind the PML-N candidate.
The narrow margin reflected the closely contested nature of the constituency, where the PML-N, the PPP and the IPP had been engaged in a keen electoral battle.
With all 197 polling stations reporting results, the PML-N managed to hold off the challenge from the IPP and secure the constituency.
In LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II, PPP candidate Bazil Ali Naqvi secured a decisive victory, polling 28,214 votes against 26,866 votes obtained by PML-N candidate Chaudhry Shehzad.
According to unofficial and unconfirmed results from all 174 polling stations, Naqvi won the constituency with a margin of 1,348 votes.
The result ended one of the most closely watched contests of the second phase and gave the PPP a significant win in the Muzaffarabad Division.
The constituency had already attracted considerable attention during the initial polling on August 2, when adverse weather conditions prevented election material and polling personnel from reaching several polling stations on time. The Election Commission subsequently postponed polling in the affected areas and fixed Tuesday for the resumed vote.
The delayed polling followed heavy rain and adverse weather conditions that disrupted road links and movement in parts of the constituency areas. The Election Commission decided to defer polling where the required election material and staff could not reach polling stations in time.
The decision resulted in the two constituencies going to the polls separately from the rest of the Muzaffarabad Division.
Election authorities subsequently completed arrangements for the resumed polling, deploying additional security personnel at sensitive polling stations and ensuring the availability of election staff and material.
The Tuesday polling was conducted under enhanced security arrangements, with law-enforcement personnel deployed to maintain order and facilitate voters.
The completion of counting in the two delayed constituencies now provides a clearer picture of the electoral balance emerging from the second phase of the AJK elections.