Thousands march to Muzaffarabad after failed talks; polls delayed in two districts
The Election Commission deferred voting in the Sudhnoti and Rawalakot constituencies until August 10, citing an ongoing sit-in led by the Public Action Committee (PAC). The demonstrations mark the latest phase of a protest campaign that has entered its 52nd day. Campaign rallies, public meetings and door-to-door outreach have reportedly been disrupted by strikes and sit-ins, while candidates have expressed uncertainty over voter participation if the protests continue.
Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) intensified on Monday as thousands of demonstrators began marching towards Muzaffarabad after negotiations between the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the authorities broke down, while election officials postponed legislative assembly polls in two districts amid the unrest.
On June 30, the JAAC criticised Pakistani authorities after an opposition delegation was reportedly prevented from entering PoK, calling it another example of restrictions on democratic rights and political dissent.
Residents told local media that public interest in the elections had sharply declined, with many believing that longstanding grievances and basic rights should be addressed before any electoral exercise. Enthusiasm for the polls is “almost non-existent,” with the protest movement taking precedence over electoral politics, according to several residents. The ongoing agitation follows weeks of growing tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Amnesty International has criticised Pakistan’s handling of the situation ahead of the regional elections, accusing the authorities of using heavy-handed measures to suppress peaceful political dissent and violate fundamental human rights.