Categories: National

AJK Elections Polling Postponed in Poonch, Sudhanoti Over Security Concerns

Election officials oversee preparations for the AJK general elections.

AJK Elections entered a new phase after the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission postponed polling in Poonch and Sudhanoti districts because of the prevailing law and order situation.

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The commission had originally scheduled voting on August 10 for 11 constituencies across four districts in the Poonch Division. However, it decided to hold third-phase polling only in Bagh and Haveli districts. It deferred voting in all constituencies of Poonch and Sudhanoti.

The Election Commission said it revised the schedule after reviewing the security situation. It will announce a new polling date once conditions improve.

Earlier Phases Completed

The first and second phases of the AJK general elections took place on July 27 and August 2 in the Mirpur and Muzaffarabad divisions.

According to unofficial and unconfirmed results, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the leading party. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the party had secured a simple majority and was ready to form the next government in Azad Kashmir.

The second phase covered 21 constituencies, including nine seats in the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 reserved seats for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. Unofficial results showed the PML-N won 15 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured six.

Similarly, provisional and unofficial results from the first phase showed the PML-N winning nine constituencies and the PPP four.

Rigging Claims Trigger Political Dispute

Meanwhile, the PPP alleged widespread rigging and violence during both phases of the elections. Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari claimed the polls were neither free nor fair.

However, the PML-N rejected the allegations. Rana Sanaullah challenged the PPP to submit evidence before the Election Commission. He said political parties should support claims of rigging with proof.

Irfan