Polling begins in first phase of AJK elections across Mirpur Division

• Polling to continue until 5pm.
• Security deployed across all constituencies.
• 296 candidates contest 13 seats.
  

MUZAFFARABAD: Polling began on Monday in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with voters casting ballots across 13 constituencies in the three districts of Mirpur Division.

Polling started at 8am and will continue until 5pm. A total of 296 candidates, including those from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and independents, are contesting the elections.

According to election officials, 1,401,439 registered voters are eligible to vote in the 13 constituencies of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. The electorate comprises 725,118 male voters and 675,628 female voters.

A total of 2,454 polling stations have been established across Mirpur Division, including 597 in four constituencies of Mirpur district, 1,107 in six constituencies of Kotli district and 608 in three constituencies of Bhimber district.

Authorities said comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place for the elections.

AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process.

Separately, AJK Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said the people of Azad Kashmir had rejected “disruptive elements” and expressed confidence in the democratic process. He added that all state institutions were fully prepared to ensure peaceful elections and warned that the law would take its course against anyone attempting to obstruct the electoral process or disturb public order.