The Election Commission of Azad Kashmir has announced a new three-phase schedule for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections. The commission confirmed that the elections will be held on time despite requests from some groups to delay the process.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal shared the updated election plan during an official announcement. He said all preparations have been completed, allowing the elections to take place according to schedule. The commission also pledged to ensure that the voting process remains transparent, independent, and peaceful across Azad Kashmir.
According to the revised schedule, polling will begin in the Mirpur Division on July 27. The second phase will take place on August 2 in the Muzaffarabad Division. Voting on the same day will also be held in the 12 constituencies reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees living in Pakistan.
The third and final phase of polling will be conducted in the Poonch Division on August 10. With this plan, the Election Commission aims to complete the election process in an organized and secure manner.
Justice Mughal explained that dividing the elections into three phases will improve election management and strengthen administrative arrangements. He said the new schedule will help officials monitor polling activities more effectively and ensure better coordination among election staff.
The phased approach will also allow authorities to deploy security personnel where they are needed most. This is expected to improve law and order during polling and provide a safer environment for voters and election workers.
The Election Commission stated that vote counting will begin immediately after polling ends in each phase. Official results for every phase will be announced on the same day after the counting process is completed. This approach is expected to improve transparency and keep voters informed without unnecessary delays.
Officials rejected all demands to postpone the elections. They said the commission has completed the required arrangements and sees no reason to change the election timetable. The commission added that holding elections on schedule is important for maintaining the democratic process.
The Election Commission also called on political parties, election candidates, and voters to follow the official code of conduct. It urged everyone to maintain a peaceful campaign atmosphere and cooperate with election authorities throughout the process.
Authorities stressed that public cooperation will play an important role in ensuring fair and orderly elections. They encouraged candidates to avoid actions that could disrupt the polling process and asked voters to participate responsibly.
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The Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections will cover 45 general seats. These include 13 seats in the Mirpur Division, 21 seats in the Muzaffarabad Division and refugee constituencies, and 11 seats in the Poonch Division. The three-stage polling process is expected to conclude in August, completing the election for the new Legislative Assembly.
