Key Takeaways
- The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission has revised the schedule for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections.
- Polling will be conducted over three phases, with different divisions voting on specific dates.
- The decision aims to ensure security and transparency during the electoral process.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission has announced that upcoming legislative assembly elections in AJK will take place in three distinct phases, starting from July 27. The revised schedule was unveiled at a press conference by Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal.
According to the announcement, polling in the Mirpur Division will commence on July 27, followed by elections in the Muzaffarabad and refugee constituencies on August 2. The final phase of voting is scheduled for August 10, covering the Poonch Division's districts Rawalakot, Sudhnoti, Bagh, and Haveli.
Mughal stated that this phased approach was necessary to facilitate the effective deployment of security personnel, particularly from the armed forces. He explained that these troops would be available in all divisions in sufficient numbers to ensure peaceful polling amid ongoing protests in parts of AJK.
The decision to hold elections in phases also addressed concerns raised by political parties who were unsatisfied with the prospect of conducting polls without adequate military presence. Mughal acknowledged that the army was engaged at various locations across Pakistan, but expressed gratitude for their willingness to support the electoral process.
In a related development, more than 25,000 AJK government employees had cast their votes peacefully during advance polling held a day earlier. This exercise is seen as a significant test of the election commission's readiness and was described by officials as smooth and incident-free.
While some welcomed the phased approach as a step towards ensuring peaceful elections, others questioned its necessity in divisions where security concerns were comparatively limited. The announcement drew mixed reactions from the public, with varying opinions on the effectiveness of this strategy.
Mughal assured that international election observers and foreign journalists would be allowed to monitor and cover the electoral process across AJK. He also highlighted that presiding officers would share polling results immediately after the close of voting in accordance with the election laws.
Under the revised schedule, polling in Mirpur Division will be held on July 27, while Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 refugee constituencies will go to the polls on August 2. Elections in Poonch Division will take place on August 10.
Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, Chief Election Commissioner
