Mirpur: All arrangements have been finalized for the third and final phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general elections, with 460, 371 registered voters set to cast their ballots in four constituencies of Haveli and Bagh districts of Poonch Division on Monday, August 10, according to the revised schedule of the AJK Election Commission.
Polling was originally scheduled in all 11 constituencies of Poonch Division, but voting in seven constituencies of Rawalakot and Palandri districts was postponed due to security concerns. The Election Commission will announce a fresh polling schedule for the remaining seven seats later. According to official figures, LA-17 Haveli has 117, 514 registered voters, while Bagh district’s LA-14 (West), LA-15 (Central) and LA-16 (East) have 121, 199, 114, 937 and 106, 721 registered voters, respectively.
The August 10 contest has assumed considerable political significance, with major parties including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party Azad Kashmir (PPP-AJK), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference and Jamaat-e-Islami fielding candidates alongside independents. Three former AJK prime ministers-Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan, Sardar Yaqoob Khan and Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan-are among the prominent contestants, while incumbent Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore is also in the electoral race. Political observers expect close contests in several constituencies.
The Election Commission said administrative, logistical and security arrangements had been completed for polling in the four constituencies, with thousands of security personnel to be deployed at polling stations, particularly sensitive and highly sensitive locations. Across Poonch Division, more than 1. 15 million voters are registered for the 11 constituencies, for which 1, 989 polling stations and 3, 164 polling booths have been planned. Security agencies remain on high alert amid ongoing sit-ins by a proscribed organization at various locations in Rawalakot. Political observers believe the outcome of the phased elections in Poonch Division could significantly influence the political landscape and the formation of the next government in AJK.
