ISLAMABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission announced a revised schedule for the third phase of the region’s elections, postponing polling in seven constituencies of Poonch Division due to concerns over the prevailing law and order situation.
In this regard, the polling will proceed as originally scheduled on August 10 in the three constituencies of Bagh district and the single constituency of Haveli district.
However, elections in the constituencies of Poonch district and Pallandri in Sudhnoti district have been deferred until further notice.
The Election Commission stated that the decision followed a comprehensive review of the security situation in the affected areas. It noted that a report submitted by the AJK Home Secretary mentioned concerns regarding the maintenance of law and order in parts of Poonch and Pallandri.
The electoral body also said it had received formal requests from several political leaders and election candidates from the affected districts, urging the Commission to postpone polling in view of the prevailing circumstances to ensure public safety and smooth conduct of the electoral process.
The Commission focused on that the postponement was made solely in response to the current security environment and confirmed its commitment to conducting elections in a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful manner.
“The Election Commission will announce new polling dates and a revised election schedule for the postponed constituencies after reviewing the situation and considering all relevant factors,” the statement said.
The third phase of the AJK elections covers 11 constituencies in Poonch Division, including three in Bagh, one in Haveli, five in Poonch, and two in Sudhnoti district.
The elections are being conducted across Azad Jammu and Kashmir in three phases. The polling in Mirpur Division was completed on July 27, while voting in Muzaffarabad Division took place on August 2.
The Election Commission’s decision comes against the backdrop of recent unrest in the region.
The clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot on July 27 reportedly resulted in several casualties, raising concerns over security ahead of polling.
