Pakistan’s ruling party is leading in elections for the legislative assembly in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to election officials after results from the first two phases are announced. The vote is taking place despite calls for a boycott by a banned group.
NPR reports that candidates backed by the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N)—a party associated with Nawaz Sharif, who has previously served as prime minister—have won 24 of the 34 seats decided so far. The election commission’s figures are cited as the basis for the seat count, covering results released after voting in the first two phases.
ABC News similarly states that the ruling party holds a commanding lead following the initial rounds of counting, while noting the existence of the boycott call by the banned group.
Across the available reports, the main points are that results have been released for two phases, that seat totals are being reported by the election commission, and that campaigning and voting proceed despite the boycott call.
