Polling is under way in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with voters casting ballots across 13 constituencies in the three districts of Mirpur Division.
Polling began at 8am and will continue until 5pm. According to election officials, 1,401,439 registered voters are eligible to vote in the constituencies covering Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. The electorate comprises 725,118 male voters and 675,628 female voters.
A total of 296 candidates are contesting the elections, including nominees from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), and independent candidates.
Election officials have established 2,454 polling stations across Mirpur Division to facilitate voting. These include 597 polling stations in the four constituencies of Mirpur district, 1,107 in the six constituencies of Kotli district and 608 in the three constituencies of Bhimber district.
Authorities say they have put comprehensive security arrangements in place to ensure the smooth conduct of polling.
AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal warns that authorities will take legal action against anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process.
Separately, AJK Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan says the people of Azad Kashmir have rejected what he describes as “disruptive elements” and are expressing confidence in the democratic process.
He says all state institutions are fully prepared to ensure peaceful elections and warns that the law will take its course against anyone attempting to obstruct polling or disturb public order.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is the region’s elected law-making body. Elections are taking place in phases, with today’s polling covering the first 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division.
Officials say voting will continue until the scheduled closing time of 5pm before the election process moves to the next stage.
