The second phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections proved to be another decisive chapter in the region’s political landscape. Conducted on 2 August, polling took place across 21 constituencies, including key seats in Muzaffarabad Division and refugee constituencies. More than 4,000 security personnel were deployed, with 31 polling stations declared highly sensitive, reflecting the high stakes and tense political atmosphere surrounding the vote.
Unlike the first phase, where Mirpur Division largely set the tone, the second phase was viewed as the real test of political momentum. The contest primarily revolved around Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), while PTI remained absent from the electoral race after boycotting the polls. Throughout the campaign, both major parties aggressively courted voters on issues of governance, development, employment, and public services, turning Muzaffarabad into the centre of political attention.
As counting progressed, unofficial results indicated that PML-N had once again emerged ahead, strengthening the lead it had established during the first phase. According to the Election Commission’s notifications, the party secured four of the first five officially declared refugee seats, while PPP claimed one, placing PML-N in a commanding position as the assembly nears completion.
The election, however, was not free from controversy. PPP leaders alleged widespread irregularities and accused the administration of influencing the process. The party also condemned violent incidents involving its workers during polling. PML-N strongly rejected these allegations, maintaining that the election was conducted transparently under the supervision of the Election Commission and security agencies. These competing narratives quickly became as significant as the electoral numbers themselves.
Beyond the political accusations, the results reflected a broader electoral trend. In consecutive phases, PML-N has managed to convert its campaign into electoral gains, suggesting that a significant section of the electorate has responded positively to its message of continuity, governance, and development. While the final composition of the Assembly will only become clear after the third and final phase, the first two rounds have already positioned PML-N as the frontrunner in the race to shape Azad Kashmir’s next government.
With one phase remaining, the attention now shifts from whether PML-N can maintain its momentum to how large its mandate will ultimately become. If the current trend continues, the 2026 AJK elections may be remembered not only as a political victory but also as an election in which voters chose continuity over uncertainty, giving PML-N a strong platform to lead the region into its next legislative term.