Pakistan's ruling party has taken a commanding lead in elections for the legislative assembly in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, results from the first two phases of voting showed on Wednesday (August 5, 2026), despite weeks of protests and calls for a boycott by a banned political group. It marks the party's return to power in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after a decade. Supporters of the group repeatedly clashed with police ahead of Sunday's vote, but residents said they exercised their right of vote despite fears of violence. Analysts said the election reinforced public confidence in the democratic process, with voters choosing to cast ballots despite weeks of protests, violence and a boycott campaign by the JAAC. The JAAC argues the seats give disproportionate political influence to people living outside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and has demanded they be abolished.