Polling for the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections began Monday, Aug. 10, in four constituencies of Bagh and Haveli districts in Poonch Division, with nearly 460,000 registered voters expected to cast their ballots to elect representatives for the legislative assembly.
According to the AJK Election Commission. Election officials said all necessary arrangements have been completed to ensure a smooth and peaceful polling process across the four constituencies.
AJK Chief Election Commissioner said security measures were finalized in all polling areas before voting began. He added that authorities have taken steps to provide a safe environment for voters, election staff and candidates during the polling process.
A large number of voters are participating in the electoral process to choose their representatives for the AJK Legislative Assembly.
Election officials said polling stations have been established across the constituencies, while security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. Officials are also monitoring the voting process to ensure transparency and compliance with election rules.
Meanwhile, elections for seven seats have been delayed. Polling for five constituencies in Poonch district and two constituencies in Sudhnoti district has been postponed due to unspecified reasons. The AJK Election Commission is expected to announce new dates for the postponed elections.
The AJK Legislative Assembly elections are being conducted in multiple phases, with authorities aiming to complete the process through a peaceful and organized voting system. Political parties and independent candidates are competing for seats in the assembly as voters participate in choosing their representatives.
The election commission has urged citizens to use their voting rights and take part in the democratic process. Officials said all arrangements, including security, polling staff deployment and voter facilities, have been completed to ensure the elections are conducted fairly.
The final results of the third phase will be announced after the completion of vote counting and verification procedures by election authorities.
In the first phase of the Azad Kashmir Assembly elections, polling was held for 13 seats in Mirpur Division. The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) won nine seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four.
The second phase covered nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 seats reserved for refugees. The PML-N won 15 seats in this phase, while the PPP secured six.
With the first two phases completed, the 45 member Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly now has the PML-N in the lead with 24 seats, followed by the PPP with 10.
