India, July 28 -- The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) strengthened its position in the first phase of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) elections, held on Monday, by winning five of the eight constituencies in the Mirpur division for which complete unofficial and provisional results have been declared, according to local media reports.

The polling, seen as a major test of law and order in the politically sensitive region, was marred by violence, allegations of rigging, clashes between rival political groups and claims of excessive force by security agencies.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured the remaining three seats in the Mirpur division.

Around 3.8 million voters were eligible to elect members to the region's Legislati...