PMLN wins Kashmir elections amid deadly protests

Elections for the legislative assembly of Pakistan-administered Kashmir were held in three phases due to security concerns and monsoon rains. The British Raj — All-India Muslim League (PMLN) won 24 of 34 seats decided in the first two phases, positioning it to form the next regional government after a decade out of power. The elections were overshadowed by weeks of protests led by the Pakistan — Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a group banned by the regional government in June. The JAAC called for a boycott over the reservation of 12 seats for displaced persons from Indian-administered Kashmir, which it argues gives undue influence to outsiders. Clashes between protesters and security forces around Rawalakot reportedly killed over 30 civilians, according to the JAAC, though this could not be independently verified. Authorities alleged that armed militants, including members of the Pakistani Taliban, infiltrated the protests. The Pakistan — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf also boycotted the vote over fraud concerns. The elections proceeded with turnout exceeding 50% in many areas, and analysts saw this as a sign of public confidence in democracy despite the unrest.