The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission on Saturday rejected two petitions challenging the victory of Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore in the LA-17 constituency of Muzaffarabad. The decision came by a 2-1 majority, with the commission’s members voting to uphold Rathore’s win in the July 2024 polls.

Key facts:
- Constituency: LA-17 (Muzaffarabad)
- Poll date: 25 July 2024
- Decision date: 14 September 2024
- Verdict: Two petitions dismissed by 2-1 majority
- Outcome: Rathore’s victory confirmed

The petitions, filed by opposition candidates, had alleged irregularities in the polling process, including voter intimidation and ballot tampering. However, the Election Commission found no sufficient evidence to overturn the results. The commission’s chairman and two members voted to reject the pleas, while one member dissented, calling for a recount in specific polling stations.

Rathore, who belongs to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), secured the seat with a margin of over 5,000 votes in the tightly contested election. The victory solidified his position as AJK’s prime minister, a role he has held since April 2024.

What the petitions claimed

The two rejected petitions, filed by independent candidates and members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), raised multiple objections:

  • Voter suppression: Allegations that polling staff prevented eligible voters from casting ballots in certain areas.
  • Ballot stuffing: Claims that extra ballots were added to boxes in favor of Rathore’s party.
  • Proxy voting: Reports that unauthorized individuals voted on behalf of others in multiple polling stations.

The Election Commission’s inquiry team visited several polling stations but found no conclusive proof of these allegations. The dissenting member, however, argued that the discrepancies in Form-45 (the official polling station result sheet) warranted further scrutiny.

The Election Commission’s response

In its detailed order, the commission stated that while minor procedural lapses were noted, none were severe enough to invalidate the entire election. The majority opinion emphasized that the burden of proof lay with the petitioners, who failed to present concrete evidence.

The dissenting member, a retired judge of the AJK High Court, disagreed, stating that the irregularities were significant enough to warrant a recount in at least 12 polling stations. The commission has not yet announced whether it will accept this recommendation or issue a final order.

What happens next?

With the petitions dismissed, Rathore’s position as AJK prime minister is secure for now. However, the dissenting opinion could fuel further legal challenges or political pressure. Opposition parties have indicated they may approach higher courts, including the Supreme Court of AJK, to challenge the decision.

For voters in LA-17, the ruling means the election results stand as declared. The Election Commission has urged all parties to accept the verdict and avoid inciting unrest. Police and local administration have been put on alert to prevent any post-decision protests.

What to watch

  • Legal challenges: Will opposition parties file appeals in the AJK Supreme Court?
  • Protests: Could there be demonstrations in Muzaffarabad or other parts of AJK?
  • Election reforms: Will the AJK government revisit polling procedures to address the dissenting member’s concerns?

The AJK Election Commission’s website (www.ajkelection.gov.pk) will publish the full order in the coming days. Citizens can also contact the commission’s helpline at 05822-920011 for further details.

This is a developing story. Updates will be added as more information becomes available.