MUZAFFARABAD: Polling for the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections began on Monday in four constituencies across Bagh and Haveli districts of Poonch Division, with approximately 460,000 registered voters expected to cast their ballots.
According to the AJK Election Commission, polling started at 8:00am and will continue until 5:00pm. Election authorities said security arrangements had been completed to ensure the smooth conduct of voting across all constituencies.
The chief election commissioner said polling was proceeding under the commission’s supervision, while elections in five constituencies of Poonch district and two constituencies in Sudhnoti district remain postponed.
PPP Raises Concerns Over Polling Delays
During the voting process, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Senator Sherry Rehman alleged delays in the commencement of polling at several stations in LA-15 and LA-16.
She also claimed that PPP polling agents were prevented from entering polling stations 119 and 120, calling for immediate corrective measures and urging election authorities to ensure transparency in the electoral process.
Rehman further requested that polling hours be adjusted, where necessary, to compensate voters for time lost due to delays.
PML-N Leads After First Two Election Phases
The third phase follows earlier rounds of voting in the AJK elections, where the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured a majority of seats.
In the first phase, the PML-N won nine of 13 seats in Mirpur Division, while the PPP secured four. During the second phase, the PML-N won 15 seats, with the PPP taking six, giving the ruling party a total of 24 seats compared with the PPP’s 10 seats.
Election officials have said a new polling schedule for the postponed constituencies, including Rawalakot, will be announced after the resolution of ongoing local issues affecting the electoral process.