Voting on remaining AJK Poonch division seats may be held by Aug 20-21, says CEC

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chief Election Commissioner Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal announced on Saturday that the electoral process in four constituencies of Bagh and Haveli districts will be completed first, citing security reasons. The remaining seven constituencies of Poonch division may have polls held by August 20 or 21. Mughal stated that the commission would confirm the election date for Poonch and Sudhnoti within the next week, ensuring voters have sufficient time for campaigning.

The division consists of 11 constituencies across four districts, with a registered voter base of 1,154,626. On Monday, polling will take place in four constituencies, encompassing 460,371 eligible voters. The 82 candidates contesting include a former prime minister and two sitting ministers. Mughal called upon the people of Bagh and Haveli to participate in the electoral process, emphasizing it as both a democratic right and religious duty.

Security personnel have been deployed in the affected areas, with eight at each highly sensitive polling station. Internet services are expected to be restored in Bagh and Haveli by August 9 and 10 to assist in result compilation and transmission. The CEC clarified that political leaders' allegations of rigging could not be addressed through mere statements or rhetoric, promising to present the findings to the public post-election.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah had earlier predicted the PML-N would secure a two-thirds majority in AJK following the third phase of elections, originally scheduled for the 11 constituencies of Poonch division but now restricted to Bagh and Haveli districts due to security concerns.