The Election Commission of Azad Kashmir has officially announced to hold general elections on July 27, 2026.
According to the commission, the elections to the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly will be held on Sunday, July 27. The election schedule will be issued in a few days, which will include the dates of nomination papers, scrutiny, and the election campaign.
The commission has directed all political parties to adhere to the code of conduct. A day before the announcement of the elections, the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed a resolution to retain 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees.
The resolution stated that the representation of refugees is a historical and constitutional reality. The assembly was of the view that the necessary reforms to remove electoral complications and create an acceptable system for political parties can be brought only through the Legislative Assembly.
The resolution further stated that constitutional reforms are the exclusive authority and mandate of the elected representatives of the people. Therefore, the matter of reforms should be left to the assembly. The assembly suggested that political parties, bar associations, bar councils, civil society, and constitutional experts be consulted for future reforms so that a broad consensus can be reached.
It is the responsibility of the state to provide representation to Kashmiris who have migrated from occupied Kashmir in the political process. The assembly was of the view that the necessary reforms to remove electoral complications and make the electoral system acceptable to all political parties can be brought through the Legislative Assembly only. The Assembly has the power to make reforms.
After the announcement of the election date, the political parties of Azad Kashmir have intensified their election preparations. The Azad Kashmir chapters of Pakistan’s major parties, PTI, PML-N, and PPP, have started the process of selecting candidates. The decision to retain the seats of refugees has been welcomed by the refugee community. Significance
The Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly consists of 53 members, including 41 general seats, 12 refugee seats, and reserved seats for women and technocrats. After the July 27 elections, a new government will be formed that will run the affairs of the state for the next 5 years. The Election Commission has appealed to the people to exercise their franchise in a peaceful, transparent, and democratic manner.
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