In the second phase of local government elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the ruling PTI won in Bagh and Sudhnoti districts but lost in Poonch and Haveli.
According to unofficial and unconfirmed results, PTI won nine of 15 municipal corporation seats in Bagh, followed by four independents and two PPP seats
PTI had 12 of 28 seats, followed by MC with 4, PPP with 3, PML-N with 2, independents with 2, and JI-AJK with 1. Four seats awaited results.
In Sudhnoti, PTI is set to elect district and urban council heads.
PTI won 11 of 19 Sudhnoti district council seats, followed by PML-N with four, independents with two, and JUI-AJK with one.
PTI won five of eight seats in the district headquarters municipality, followed by independents and PML-N.
In Haveli, PML-N won six of 12 council seats, PPP four and PTI one. Undecided on one seat.
Poonch’s major district is split. JKPP won seven seats in the 22-member Rawalakot municipal corporation, followed by PPP with four, PML-N with three, and independents with five.
PTI and PML-N won eight seats in the 29-member Poonch district council, followed by PPP, JKPP, and independents.
Officials reported less than a dozen minor casualties from occasional acts of violence during the peaceful voting.
Sardar Tanveer Ilyas voted for district councilor in his native Dhakki. “I’m glad this state is finally devolving powers to the grassroots level,” he remarked of the LG elections.
