Local elections are underway in Pakistan-administered Kashmir following weeks of protests and a government crackdown on a grassroots activist group.
Key facts
- •The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee was outlawed in June under anti-terrorism laws.
- •The regional Supreme Court ruled that the 12 reserved refugee seats are constitutionally protected.
- •Protests have included large gatherings and marches from Rawalakot toward Muzaffarabad.
- •The election process has been split into three phases to manage security and unrest.
- •The region has been a focal point of tensions between India and Pakistan since 1947.
The first phase of local elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir, is scheduled for July 27. The voting proceeds amid significant civil unrest and calls for a boycott from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, a grassroots alliance recently outlawed by the regional government under anti-terrorism laws.
Dispute Over Refugee Representation
The conflict centers on 12 regional assembly seats reserved for individuals displaced from India-administered Kashmir. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee argues that only current residents of the region should be eligible to contest these seats. However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan-administered Kashmir has ruled that these refugee seats are constitutionally protected and cannot be removed without an amendment.
Protests and Government Response
Weeks of protests and sit-ins have occurred across the region since early June, with demonstrators also calling for broader economic and governance reforms. Authorities banned the activist group in June, citing threats to public order, and have detained dozens of its supporters. Estimates of the death toll from the unrest vary, with local reports cited by Deutsche Welle suggesting around 30 deaths, while Al Jazeera reports more than 45 people have been killed and hundreds injured.
Election Scheduling and Security
Due to security concerns and ongoing unrest, authorities have divided the election into three phases. Voting in Mirpur is set for July 27, while elections in the regional capital of Muzaffarabad have been delayed until August 2. Voting in the Poonch division has been postponed until August 10.
Timeline
- Early JuneProtests and sit-ins began across Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
- JuneThe regional government outlawed the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.
- July 27The first phase of local elections is scheduled to take place in Mirpur.
- August 2Voting in the regional capital of Muzaffarabad is scheduled to occur.
- August 10Elections in the Poonch division are scheduled to take place.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Deutsche Welle, Al Jazeera.
