ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Nadeem Afzal Chan has expressed serious concerns about the transparency of the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, alleging irregularities and warning that the credibility of the electoral process could be undermined if complaints are not addressed.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Chan claimed that polling staff and election materials failed to reach several constituencies, disrupting the voting process. He also alleged that PPP polling agents were removed from polling stations in some areas, raising questions about the fairness of the election.
Chan said the PPP had already submitted more than 15 formal complaints to the relevant authorities regarding the reported irregularities. He warned that if these grievances were not properly investigated and resolved, it would become difficult for political parties and the public to accept the election results.
“The entire world is watching the elections in Azad Kashmir. It is essential that the electoral process remains transparent and credible,” he said, urging the Election Commission of AJK to ensure free and fair polling.
The PPP leader also claimed to have received reports that Latif Akbar, a senior party leader, had come under attack, though he did not provide further details during the press conference.
According to Chan, the law and order situation had remained satisfactory until a day earlier, and the PPP believed it was in a strong electoral position. However, he alleged that developments on polling day had raised doubts about the role of the AJK Election Commission.
He further accused authorities of attempting to favor a single political party, claiming that the reported irregularities were aimed at bringing that party into power. Chan said the PPP had also sought a response from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding its complaints but had not received one.
He noted that while there had been strong opinions within the PPP supporting a boycott of the second and third phases of the elections, the party leadership decided against such a move after careful consideration.
“The leadership made a wise decision by rejecting the boycott option and continuing to participate in the democratic process,” he said.
Chan reiterated that the PPP remains committed to democratic principles but expects the Election Commission and all relevant institutions to ensure that every complaint is addressed transparently and impartially.
The Election Commission and the other political parties had not immediately responded publicly to the allegations at the time of reporting.
The second phase of the AJK elections is considered an important stage in the region’s electoral process, with political parties closely monitoring polling arrangements and vote counting. PPP officials have urged election authorities to take immediate corrective measures to preserve public confidence in the democratic process and ensure that the final results reflect the will of the voters.
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