Sunday marks the second phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir's legislative elections, with 21 seats up for grabs across Muzaffarabad division and refugee constituencies in Pakistan. More than 340 candidates are competing, but the backdrop of suspended internet services and allegations of rigging from the first phase raises questions about the integrity and stability of the process. Main Developments In Muzaffarabad division, 207 candidates are contesting nine seats: five in Muzaffarabad district, two in Neelum, and two in Jhelum Valley. The electorate there totals 809,621, with 427,955 men and 381,666 women registered to vote. Another 137 candidates are running in the 12 refugee constituencies, which represent Kashmiris settled in Pakistan—six seats for refugees from the Kashmir Valley and six from Jammu. These constituencies have a combined 438,834 voters, including 247,776 men and 191,054 women. Read also: Bilawal gets JAAC reply on truth commission; AJK PM to weigh next move Internet services were suspended again on Friday, less than 45 hours after being restored, to prevent disruption of the election. Officials indicated services might return on Sunday, but the Election Commission insists polling will proceed as scheduled from 8am to 5pm without breaks. Election material has been delivered to all polling stations in the refugee constituencies, and distribution is complete in Neelum and Jhelum Valley, with Muzaffarabad district in its final stage. Polling staff have been dispatched under stringent security, with 1,483 stations in Muzaffarabad division—533 highly sensitive, 741 sensitive, and 209 normal—plus 1,057 stations for refugee seats. Background The elections are being held in three phases over security concerns, with the first phase in Mirpur division on June 27. That phase was marred by scuffles, violence, and mutual accusations of rigging between the PML-N and PPP. Preliminary results (Forms-27) showed the PML-N winning nine of the 13 Mirpur seats, while the PPP secured only four. This outcome sets a tense precedent for the upcoming phases, as both parties remain locked in disputes over electoral conduct. The refugee constituencies are a unique feature of AJK's system, giving a voice to Kashmiris displaced to Pakistan. Their results could shift the balance in the 53-seat assembly, making Sunday's polls pivotal for both major parties. Why It Matters These elections will shape AJK's legislative landscape, influencing regional governance and the delicate political balance in Pakistan. The PML-N's dominance in phase one gives it momentum, but the PPP's performance in Muzaffarabad and refugee seats could alter the assembly's composition. Security concerns and internet shutdowns raise doubts about transparency, potentially undermining public confidence in the democratic process. The Election Commission's assurances of peaceful polling will be tested on Sunday, with many eyes on the highly sensitive stations. For voters, the choice is about leadership and future direction, as Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal emphasized in a televised address, urging citizens to vote as a national responsibility. What's Next Polling on Sunday will run from 8am to 5pm, with results expected to be announced in the following days. The third and final phase, covering the remaining constituencies, is scheduled later, completing the full assembly election. Authorities will monitor the security situation, and internet services may be restored after polling concludes. Observers will watch for any repeat of the violence or rigging allegations that marred the first phase, which could escalate tensions.