Pakistan conducted the second phase of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday amid fresh unrest, with residents reporting burnt vehicles, rock-strewn roads and heavy security across parts of Muzaffarabad following clashes between protesters and security forces.
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The voting is taking place in the second of three phases for the 45 directly elected seats of the 53-member assembly. However, the polls have been overshadowed by nearly two months of protests, allegations of election irregularities, political boycotts and a security crackdown.
Residents of Muzaffarabad said fresh violence ahead of polling had raised concerns that the unrest would dominate the election process. Local reports described burnt-out vehicles, roads blocked with rocks and a strong presence of police, paramilitary personnel and army troops in several areas after clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
