AJK election preparations intensify as candidate nominations hit record high

• 518 nomination papers received so far.
• Refugee seats attract 114 nominations.
• Extra booths planned at busy stations.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) preparations for the 2026 general elections are in full swing, with election authorities reporting a record number of nomination papers compared with the 2021 polls.

The increased submission of nomination papers reflects strong public and political participation in the electoral process, according to officials of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission.

Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said two polling booths would be established at polling stations with more than 500 registered voters to facilitate the voting process.

Election Commission Secretary Raja Shakeel Khan said nomination papers continued to be received in all constituencies, including refugee seats and the Rawalakot division, until June 23.

He said the commission had so far received 518 nomination papers from across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Mirpur, Poonch and Rawalakot divisions.

According to the secretary, 114 nomination papers have been submitted for the reserved refugee seats, while 130 nomination papers have been received from the seven constituencies of the Poonch division.

Officials said the record number of candidates seeking to contest the elections demonstrates the Kashmiri people’s strong confidence in the political and democratic process._