MUZAFFARABAD: All is set for the first phase of AJK’s general elections, to be held tomorrow (July 27) in Mirpur Division under tight security arrangements.
Polling materials have already been delivered to the returning officers as the concerned district administration and the Election Commission have played a vital role in the election preparations. This was stated by Chief Secretary Azad Kashmir Khushal Khan and Secretary AJK Election Commission Raja Muhammad Shakeel while addressing a joint news conference in Muzaffarabad on Sunday.
Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said that the election atmosphere was at its peak in Azad Kashmir. Corner meetings, banners, posters, and political party flags are prominent. The leadership of different political parties actively took part in the election drive. He said that around 17,000 security personnel have been deployed for holding peaceful elections, as police of all four provinces would perform election security duties along with the Azad Kashmir Police.
He said that voter turnout in Azad Kashmir has always been high; this time too, strong public participation is expected. He said that people showed enthusiasm in electing their representatives and actively participating in the democratic process. He, however, said that a close watch was being kept on those who spread misleading propaganda related to the elections on social media, adding that strict legal action would be taken against those who obstruct the election process or disturb the peace. The people of Azad Kashmir have rejected chaos and expressed their faith in the democratic process. He said that free and peaceful elections would be ensured in AJK.
Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan, Secretary Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission, said that they were ready for the first phase of AJK elections in Mirpur division, adding that 22,000 election staff have been deployed while polling material have already been delivered to polling stations. Moreover, the Chief Election Commissioner also visited to ensure a clean and transparent conduct of the election and termed the arrangements satisfactory.
He said that security was on high alert for the peaceful conduct of the election, police, Rangers and Federal Constabulary have been deployed. He said that an unfounded impression is being given by playing old videos of the boycott on social media, which was regrettable. He said that people have rejected such propaganda.
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