MIRPUR: Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, has announced that the first phase of the electoral process was completed in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Addressing a press conference in Mirpur, Mughal said that all political parties participated fully in the elections and polling was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
He noted that citizens exercised their right to vote in large numbers, adding that those who attempted to obstruct polling in Samahni were arrested.
The Chief Election Commissioner praised the role of law enforcement agencies, describing their performance as exemplary in maintaining law and order during the elections.
His remarks come against the backdrop of reports of violence in Rawlakot and casualties among political workers in Samahni, incidents that added to the tense atmosphere of the first phase.
Earlier, the day had already seen clashes in Nakyal, the suspension and arrest of presiding officers in Kotli, and allegations of rigging in LA‑10 Kotli.
Despite these controversies, Mughal insisted that the overall process remained transparent and credible, reinforcing the Election Commission’s commitment to impartiality.
Political observers continue to highlight the real battle between PML‑N and PPP, noting that while early results show PML‑N candidates ahead, the broader narrative of the elections is being shaped by both the contest and the controversies surrounding it.
