MUZAFFARABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has formally complained to the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) regarding the non‑arrival of election staff at 71 polling stations in constituency LA‑28, delaying the start of polling and causing frustration among voters.
According to party officials, Sardar Abdul Shakoor, in‑charge of PPP’s Election Cell, submitted a written complaint on behalf of candidate Syed Bazal Naqvi to the Chief Election Commissioner, demanding immediate corrective measures. The complaint stated that voters had been waiting since morning, facing severe difficulties, and warned that many citizens risked losing their right to vote due to administrative negligence.
The PPP demanded that staff be deployed immediately at all affected polling stations, that polling hours be extended to compensate for lost time, and that a regular record of the actual commencement of polling be compiled. The party also called for those responsible for the lapse to be identified and held accountable.
This development comes during the second phase of AJK elections, covering 9 seats in Muzaffarabad division and 12 refugee seats, including constituencies in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. The issue adds to the mounting controversies surrounding the polls, following reports of clashes in Nakyal, riots in Samahni, and violence in Rawlakot during the first phase in Mirpur division.
Opposition parties, particularly the PPP, have repeatedly accused the Election Commission of failing to enforce its own code of conduct and of turning a blind eye to alleged irregularities by the PML‑N. The latest complaint underscores the party’s insistence on transparency and accountability as vote counting and polling continue across the region.
