Voting began Sunday for the second phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections [4].
This phase of the election is critical as it determines the remaining balance of power in the assembly. The process occurs during a period of heightened political friction between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over allegations of rigging in previous stages.
Polling is currently underway across nine constituencies within the Muzaffarabad Division [1]. In addition to these local seats, voters are casting ballots for 12 Pakistan-based refugee seats [2]. These refugee constituencies allow displaced populations to maintain political representation in the AJK legislative process.
Election officials said that polling is scheduled to continue until 5 p.m. [3]. Security measures have been implemented across the region to manage the high-stakes environment and ensure the safety of voters and staff.
The second phase follows the completion of the first phase of the 2026 election cycle. The outcome of these specific seats will be pivotal in forming the government, as the PML-N and PPP continue to clash over the legitimacy of the electoral process. Local observers are monitoring the polling stations for any irregularities that could further fuel existing party tensions.
“Voting began Sunday for the second phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections.”
The second phase of the AJK elections serves as a litmus test for the stability of the region's political alliance. Because the PML-N and PPP are currently embroiled in disputes over rigging, the results from Muzaffarabad and the refugee seats could either legitimize the current electoral framework or trigger further political unrest and legal challenges to the assembly's composition.
