Not a single vote was reportedly cast at several polling stations amid the Joint Awami Action Committee’s call for election boycott in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Polling staff and security personnel were present, but voters remained away.
Big news has come out from Pakistan’s illegally occupied Kashmir (PoK). There are reports of very low turnout at many polling stations amid protests over the electoral process here. It is being told that amid the call of boycott by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), not a single vote was allegedly cast at some booths. Despite deployment of polling staff and security personnel, voters were not seen at many polling stations.
According to reports, at least three out of nine polling booths recorded zero voting. Polling staff and security forces were present at many polling stations including Bagh-2, Malot and Bara Bari, but the number of voters was very less or did not turn up at all. According to policemen on duty, the roads around some polling stations also appeared mostly empty and voters did not come out of their homes.
So what is the impact of boycott of JAAC?
It is being told that this incident has come to light amidst the call of election boycott by JAAC. Especially in Poonch and Bagh areas, protests are said to be intensifying regarding the electoral system and local representation. According to reports, local people have reportedly termed the election process as ‘drama’ and ‘sham’. He says that instead of solving local problems and grievances, political parties are focusing more on gaining power and special political benefits.
People were seen waving black flags
It is reported that at many places, instead of voting, people were seen waving black flags and protesting around the polling stations. Due to the absence of voters, some polling staff had to sit idle for long periods. However, the booths where zero voting has been reported are only specific polling stations. From this, a complete electoral boycott in entire PoK cannot be concluded. Voting was also reported to be taking place at other polling stations and there was considerable variation in the voting percentage in different constituencies.
Why is JAAC protesting?
Let us tell you that the demand for change in the electoral system of PoK is also said to be the main issue behind the protest by JAAC. The organization is also opposing reserved seats in the assembly for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. Supporters argue that such a system affects the political representation of local voters.
What are the claims of intelligence sources?
On the other hand, the report quoting Indian intelligence sources said that this boycott reflects growing anger over Islamabad’s control. He described the current electoral structure as giving priority to refugee seats rather than local representation. Sources claim that ground reports show increasing alienation of people from mainstream Pakistani political parties and the military-backed political system. According to him, repeated incidents of zero-vote polling stations, protests and boycotts show that large sections of the population no longer consider these elections to be true expressions of local political will.
