Polling underway in four Poonch constituencies as AJK elections enter third phase

Polling commenced in four constituencies across Bagh and Haveli districts, marking the third phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections. The electoral process, scheduled to conclude by 5pm, saw 72 contenders, including the incumbent prime minister and two previous premiers, vying for the seats. Voting commenced in the morning without pause, and approximately 460,000 registered voters were eligible to participate in the four constituencies. Postponements were made for five constituencies in Poonch district and two in Sudhanoti.

In LA-14 Bagh, 21 candidates, including former prime minister Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan, contested the polls, while LA-15 Bagh witnessed 20 candidates, including Sardar Tanveer Ilyas. LA-16 Bagh had 22 contestants, and LA-17 Haveli saw nine candidates, including the incumbent prime minister, Faisal Rathore. The significant presence of leaders from the Muslim Conference and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) added to the political intensity in these constituencies.

Chief Election Commissioner of AJK announced the expected voter turnout, with comprehensive security measures in place to ensure smooth voting and maintain law and order. The final phase of the election is crucial, as its outcomes are anticipated to shape the composition of the next AJK government. The first phase saw the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secure nine seats and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) four seats in the Mirpur division.

The second phase encompassed nine seats in the Muzaffarabad division and 12 reserved for Kashmiri refugees, with the PML-N emerging victorious in 15 seats and the PPP securing six.

The PML-N currently leads with 24 seats out of the 45-member AJK Legislative Assembly, followed by the PPP with 10 seats. The results of Monday's polling will finalize the electoral process and significantly influence the political landscape in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.