Polling is underway across Muzaffarabad Division and all 12 refugee constituencies in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, while voting in Constituency LA-27 has been postponed due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
Voting began at 8:00am on Sunday and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00pm in 21 constituencies, including nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies.
The Election Commission announced that polling in LA-27 has been deferred after torrential rains triggered landslides, blocking key roads and preventing election staff and polling materials from reaching polling stations. A new polling date is expected to be announced later in the day.
According to the Election Commission, district authorities made efforts to clear the blocked routes, but the roads could not be reopened in time, leaving no option but to postpone voting in the constituency.
In Muzaffarabad Division, voting is taking place in five constituencies in Muzaffarabad district, two in Jhelum Valley, and two in Neelum, where a total of 207 candidates are contesting.
At the same time, polling is also being held in all 12 refugee constituencies, including six seats reserved for refugees from the Kashmir Valley and six for refugees from the Jammu region. A total of 137 candidates are in the race for these seats.
Among the refugee constituencies, four fall under the Rawalpindi Division: LA-43, LA-44, LA-45 and LA-39 (Jammu-6), covering Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal and Murree. More than 50,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots under strict security arrangements.
The second phase follows the first round of polling held in Mirpur Division on August 27, where the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine of the 13 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four seats.
The PPP has accused the PML-N of widespread electoral rigging during the first phase, allegations that have been rejected by the ruling party.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari claimed his party possesses evidence of 30 polling stations recording a 99% voter turnout and vowed to challenge the results through legal and constitutional channels.
Meanwhile, the PPP AJK submitted a written complaint to Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, alleging electoral irregularities at Polling Station 24 in Constituency LA-32.
PPP AJK Election Cell In-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor alleged that PML-N workers were illegally stamping ballot papers at the polling station, calling it a serious violation of election rules and the code of conduct. He urged the Election Commission to halt the alleged activity, seize the disputed ballot papers, remove the government employee allegedly acting as a polling agent, and initiate legal action against those responsible.
The third and final phase of the AJK elections is scheduled to be held in Poonch Division on August 10.
AJK Election Commission Secretary and Senior Member Muhammad Ahsan urged voters to participate actively in the democratic process, describing voting as the most effective way for citizens to choose their representatives and influence legislation.
Earlier, an attempt to disturb law and order in Muzaffarabad and disrupt the peaceful conduct of the upcoming general elections was foiled following timely action by AJK police.
Police officials said the situation is now fully under control, and peace has been maintained across the city. Authorities remain vigilant to ensure a peaceful and secure environment during the electoral process.
According to a press release issued by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police, following the successful completion of elections in the Mirpur Division, some elements attempted to influence the electoral process and disturb the law and order situation in Muzaffarabad. However, law enforcement agencies responded promptly and brought the situation under control.
Initial reports indicate that around 200 to 300 people were involved in riots at two to three different locations in Muzaffarabad, during which two police personnel were seriously injured. The police stated that their officers demonstrated professionalism, restraint and responsibility, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Read more: AJK polls: Chief Election Commissioner urges citizens to step forward and cast their votes
