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Deadly Protests Overshadow Pakistan’s Elections in Kashmir
Boycott-backed unrest held turnout to 42% and forced voting to be postponed at 52 polling stations, officials said.
- On Sunday, August 2, 2026, the second phase of legislative elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir took place under heavy security amid widespread public boycotts and unrest across the Muzaffarabad division.
- The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee called for a boycott, labeling the elections a 'fraud' conducted 'at gunpoint' while demanding electoral reforms and abolition of 12 seats reserved for displaced Kashmiris.
- Despite the boycott, election officials claimed a turnout of nearly 50 percent, though violent clashes and arson forced postponement of voting in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1 and LA-28 Muzaffarabad-2 until August 4.
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir Inspector General of Police Liaqat Ali Malik rejected allegations his force caused civilian deaths, blaming 'violent elements' and claiming over 200 officers were injured in recent weeks.
- With civil agitation ongoing since June 7, the region anticipates further demonstrations leading up to August 10, when the Poonch division is scheduled to conclude the final phase of voting.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
DECRYPTAGE - The security forces violently suppress demonstrations calling for electoral reform. Dozens of people have died since the beginning of the summer.
·Paris, France
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PoK polls hit by chaos, protests as disruptions cast shadow on credibility
The second phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir faced significant disruptions. Protests led by the JAAC caused widespread chaos and administrative failures. Election officials and materials could not reach many polling stations across constituencies. This led to postponed voting in some areas and questioned the election's legitimacy. Demonstrations continued throughout the day, with reports of security force actions.
·India
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left3Leaning Right8Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Right
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources lean Right
62% Right
L 23%
15%
R 62%
Factuality
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