MUZAFFARABAD: The PML-N has emerged as the dominant party in Azad Jammu and Kashmir after the conclusion of the first two phases of polling in elections to the region’s Legislative Assembly.
On Wednesday, the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir notified the successful candidates from nine territorial constituencies of Muzaffarabad division and the 12 refugee constituencies, elected in the second phase of the recently-held polls.
Along with these results, the Election Commission also notified the returned candidates for the remaining seats contested in the second phase of the elections.
The PML-N tally after the first two phases stood at 24 seats, while the PPP had won 10.
In the first phase of elections in Mirpur division on July 27, the PML-N had secured nine of the 13 seats, while the PPP had secured four.
After Sunday’s and Tuesday’s elections in the second phase, the PML-N bagged 15 more seats, while the PPP managed to add just six more to its tally.
Among those notified on Wednesday were PML-N’s Noreen Arif and PPP’s Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi, who were elected in the full and partial polling held in LA-27 (Kutla) and LA-28 (Lachhrat), respectively, on Tuesday.
Polling in these two constituencies was fully and partially deferred due to landslides and adverse weather that blocked roads and prevented the timely dispatch of polling staff and election material.
The third and final phase of the elections will be held in AJK’s Poonch division on Monday (Aug 10).
The division has 11 constituencies. However, reports suggest that polling would initially be held only in all three constituencies of Bagh district, the lone constituency of Haveli district and the Abbaspur constituency of Poonch district.
According to Election Commission sources, polling in some of the remaining constituencies may also be held, subject to an improvement in the law and order situation.
Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026
