ISLAMABAD: Polling for the third and final phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections began today across Poonch Division, with voters casting ballots to elect representatives from 11 constituencies.
The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir had scheduled this phase for August 10 in Poonch Division, which includes the districts of Poonch, Bagh, Sudhnoti and Haveli. The commission decided to hold the elections in three phases due to law and order concerns, particularly in Poonch Division where uncertainty over the conduct of polling had persisted for several weeks.
On August 7, polling in the districts of Poonch and Sudhnoti was postponed due to security concerns, while preparations for the remaining constituencies in Bagh and Haveli were completed.
The AJK Election Commission revised the election schedule on July 21 and opted for a staggered polling process instead of a complete postponement. In the first phase held on July 27 in Mirpur Division, covering Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber, PML-N secured 9 out of 13 seats while PPP won 4.
The second phase took place on August 2 in Muzaffarabad Division, including Muzaffarabad, Jhelum Valley and Neelum districts, along with 12 refugee seats in Pakistan. In that phase, PML-N won 13 seats, and PPP won 5. Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the phased schedule was finalized after consultation with participating political parties and to ensure the availability of army personnel for security during polling. Election authorities stated that separate security plans were implemented for each stage to ensure the elections were held in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner. A total of 25 political parties are contesting the elections.
The main contenders include PML-N led by Nawaz Sharif and PPP led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf announced a boycott on July 2, citing political and social unrest in the region.
PPP and PTI had also demanded a complete delay in the electoral process, which the commission rejected. The elections are being held amid earlier protests this year regarding the 12 seats reserved in the Legislative Assembly for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan.
On June 7, the AJK Supreme Court ruled that these seats are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly consists of 45 seats in total, including 33 for residents of AJK and 12 for refugees. Results for the third phase are expected later tonight.
Read also: Polling Underway in Second Phase of AJK Elections
