MUZAFFARABAD: Election campaigning for the second phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections has officially concluded, with polling scheduled for Sunday, August 2, across nine constituencies in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee seats.
The second phase of the elections will cover the three districts of Muzaffarabad, Neelum, and Jhelum Valley, where voters will elect their representatives to the AJK Legislative Assembly.
According to election authorities, 890,621 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the three districts. Of these, 427,955 are male voters and 381,666 are female voters.
To facilitate the voting process, the Election Commission has established 1,483 polling stations across Muzaffarabad Division.
In addition to the nine territorial constituencies, polling will also take place for 12 refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. These seats represent Kashmiri refugees residing in different parts of Pakistan.
The refugee constituencies include six Jammu seats (LA-34 Jammu-1 to LA-39 Jammu-6) and six Valley seats (LA-40 Valley-1 to LA-45 Valley-6). Eligible Kashmiri refugee voters living in various cities across Pakistan will cast their votes for these constituencies.
Speaking ahead of the polls, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retired) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal emphasized the independence of the Election Commission.
“The Election Commission does not work under anyone’s instructions or dictation. It is an independent and autonomous institution,” he said.
Addressing allegations of election rigging, the Chief Election Commissioner remarked that defeated candidates often level such accusations after elections.
He also urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process by exercising their right to vote.
“If people choose to stay home instead of voting, issues cannot later be resolved through rallies, protests, or demonstrations,” he said.
Justice Mughal described the current electoral process as one of the most challenging elections in the history of Azad Kashmir. He added that if the prevailing law and order situation continues, polling in Rawalakot could potentially be delayed or rescheduled.
The Election Commission has finalized arrangements for polling and is coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and orderly voting process across all constituencies. Security personnel are expected to be deployed at polling stations to maintain law and order and facilitate voters throughout election day.
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