Muzaffarabad (Web Desk): The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has announced that Legislative Assembly elections will now be held in three phases, according to a revised schedule.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retired) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said elections in the Mirpur Division will take place on July 27, followed by polling in the Muzaffarabad Division and constituencies reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees on August 2. Elections in the Poonch Division will be held last, on August 10.
The Mirpur Division has 13 seats, the Muzaffarabad Division and refugee constituencies together account for 21 seats, and the Poonch Division has 11 seats. The 12 constituencies reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan will also go to the polls on August 2.
The Chief Election Commissioner said results for each phase will be announced the same day as polling, with vote counts released in the evening.
Commission Rejects Postponement Demands
The Election Commission rejected calls to delay the elections, stating that voting will proceed according to the revised schedule. It said all necessary arrangements have been completed and that every effort will be made to ensure the polls are free, fair and peaceful.
According to Justice (Retired) Mughal, the phased schedule was introduced for administrative reasons, to improve election management, and to ensure a more transparent and organised polling process. He said conducting the elections in phases would also allow for better security arrangements, more effective deployment of election staff, and closer monitoring of the electoral process.
The Commission urged political parties, candidates and voters to fully comply with the code of conduct, keep campaigning peaceful, and cooperate with authorities to ensure the success of the democratic process.
The Chief Election Commissioner further stated that the elections will be conducted under military supervision, and that international observers and journalists will be granted full access to cover the polls.