Kathmandu— Legislative elections are underway in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, but the final phase of voting has been significantly curtailed by unrest and boycott calls; just four of the originally scheduled eleven constituencies went to the polls on Monday. The reduced vote reflects months of protests centered in the Poonch division, sparked by demands for the abolition of seats reserved for displaced Kashmiris living elsewhere in Pakistan. More than 460,000 people were eligible to vote in Bagh and Haveli districts, while elections in seven constituencies have been postponed indefinitely due to security concerns. The unrest has resulted in violence that residents and rights groups say has killed over 50 people, though the government’s official toll is lower.

Escalating Protests and Postponements

Elections in seven constituencies – five in Poonch and two in Sudhnoti district – were postponed last week due to security concerns, with officials stating a new date will be announced soon. The postponements followed weeks of demonstrations led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is demanding the abolishment of 12 seats reserved for displaced Kashmiris residing outside of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These protests have been met with violence, resulting in more than 50 deaths according to residents and rights groups.

Low Voter Turnout Reflects Discontent

Monday’s vote concludes the three-phase election for the 53-member Legislative Assembly. The first phase on July 27 saw a 46 percent turnout, while the second phase on August 2 recorded 53 percent – both figures lower than the over 60 percent participation seen in the 2021 and 2016 elections. This decline suggests growing discontent among voters in the region.

Government Response and Restrictions

The JAAC, which has called for a boycott of the election, was banned by authorities in June under “antiterrorism” laws. The government also imposed restrictions on media coverage, banning international reporters from the region this month and requiring them to seek clearance before returning. An intermittent internet shutdown in Poonch division, the JAAC’s stronghold, has now lasted for over 50 days.

The results of Monday's vote are expected in the coming days, but the postponed elections remain a significant point of contention and will likely require further negotiation between authorities and protest groups.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.