The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has revised the schedule for the third phase of the AJK legislative assembly elections.
It has postponed polling in several constituencies due to the prevailing law and order situation.
The commission had earlier planned to hold elections in all 11 constituencies of Poonch Division on August 10. However, it has now decided to proceed with polling only in three constituencies of Bagh district and one constituency of Haveli district on the scheduled date. Elections in Poonch and Sudhnoti have been postponed.
The AJK Election Commission said in a press release it reviewed the security situation before making the decision. The commission said it will announce fresh polling dates and a revised election schedule for Poonch and Sudhnoti after further assessment.
Results of AJK Elections:
The AJK Assembly elections are being held in three phases. Polling in the first two phases has already concluded in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad divisions.
The 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly comprises 45 general seats including 12 refugee seats and 8 reserved seats. The reserved seats include five for women and one each for technocrats, ulema and overseas Kashmiris.
According to official results, the ruling PML-N has emerged as the largest party so far. It won 24 seats in the first two phases, while the PPP secured 10 seats. In Mirpur Division, the PML-N won nine of the 13 seats, with the PPP taking the remaining four. In Muzaffarabad Division, the PML-N secured 15 seats, while the PPP won six. With 24 seats already in hand, the PML-N needs only three more to secure a simple majority and form the next government in AJK.
The postponed constituencies are considered crucial in deciding the final composition of the assembly.
Rigging Allegations in AJK and JAAC and PTI Positions:
The elections have, however, remained controversial. Opposition parties and independent observers have alleged widespread irregularities, low voter turnout and an uneven electoral playing field. The Election Commission and the government have rejected allegations of systematic manipulation.
The PTI stayed out of the electoral contest after announcing a boycott. It said the prevailing unrest and political environment did not allow for a free and credible election. The party demanded that the election schedule be revised once normalcy returned and a level playing field was ensured.
Meanwhile, the security situation in parts of AJK remains tense. Authorities have already declared the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organization, accusing it of involvement in violent attacks.
The banned JAAC rejects the allegations. It insists it is a peaceful movement seeking economic relief and electoral reforms. The group has demanded the cancellation of the ongoing three-phase election and fresh polls under an independent caretaker setup.
