Muzaffarabad (HRNW)- The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has called on the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to immediately intervene over alleged electoral irregularities in several constituencies and take legal action against those found responsible.
According to the petitions submitted to the Election Commission, the PPP has sought investigations into alleged rigging, administrative negligence and violations of the election code of conduct.
The party alleged that polling could not begin at 71 polling stations in constituency LA-28 due to the non-arrival of polling staff. It said voters in four union councils faced serious difficulties because of the absence of election personnel and requested an extension of polling hours at the affected polling stations.
The PPP also alleged that ballot stuffing was taking place at the Banav Langah polling station in constituency LA-30 after a ballot box was reportedly moved outside the polling station. The party demanded an immediate inquiry into the alleged ballot stuffing and the transfer of the ballot box.
In constituency LA-31, the PPP claimed that voters travelling in more than 50 vehicles were stranded due to the closure of the Rangala–Katkir Road. The party urged authorities to reopen the road immediately and extend polling hours to compensate for the disruption.
The party further alleged that polling agents were not allowed to remain inside three polling stations in constituency LA-32. In a separate complaint, the PPP also claimed ballot stuffing at polling station No. 24 and alleged that a government employee had been appointed as a polling agent for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
In constituency LA-34, the PPP alleged that its polling agents were prevented from entering polling stations, arguing that local residency is not a legal requirement for serving as a polling agent.
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