The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have secured the majority of seats in the first phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Assembly elections.
These early results establish the momentum for the governing parties as the region moves toward a full legislative assembly. The outcome in the first phase often signals the broader political direction for the territory's administration.
Unofficial reports indicate that the PML-N won nine seats [1]. The PPP secured four seats [1] during the same period. These results stem from polling conducted in the Mirpur Division, which served as the first phase of the electoral process [1].
Officials said that polling in this initial stage remained peaceful [1]. While some early reports mentioned results for 11 seats, other data suggests a total of 13 seats were decided between the two primary parties [1].
The electoral process has now transitioned to the second phase. This stage includes polling in the Muzaffarabad Division, as well as 12 refugee constituencies [2]. The scale of the second phase is significant, with over 1.3 million voters eligible to cast their ballots [2].
The final composition of the AJK Assembly will depend on these remaining contests. The results from the refugee seats are particularly watched as they represent a distinct demographic of the Kashmiri population living outside the territory [2].
“PML-N won nine seats and PPP secured four seats in the first phase”
The strong start for the PML-N and PPP suggests a continuation of established political influence in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, the high number of voters in the second phase and the specific influence of the 12 refugee seats could shift the final balance of power in the assembly.
