Mirpur (ajk): Ongoing brisk preparations for holding of scheduled July 27 General Elections to 53–seat Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly entered in a free fair and transparent manner entered the final stage with the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (ECP AJK) moving to complete all necessary arrangements for the pollsit was officially said.
“Following the announcement of the elections schedule, political activities have gained momentum across the region, with major political parties launching vigorous election campaigns to secure public support”, Correspondent reports from Mirpur quoting the authorotative Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission sources.
The AJK Election Commission has issued the final list of candidates contesting the 33 general seats of AJK and 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan. According to official figures, a total of 846 candidates are participating in the elections, representing various political parties as well as contesting as independent candidates.
The polling scheme for the July 27 elections has also been prepared.
Official data shows that the total number of registered voters in AJK stands at 3,804,368, including 2,001,655 male voters and 1,802,715 female voters who will exercise their right to vote and elect representatives for the next five-year term.
To facilitate voters and ensure a transparent electoral process, a total of 6,983 polling stations have been established across AJK and in the relevant areas of Pakistan for refugee constituency voters.
The Election Commission said arrangements regarding security, transportation of election material, and deployment of polling staff are being finalised.
A tough contest is expected among major political parties in the AJK elections. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) AJK, Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), and several other national and regional parties are participating in the electoral race.
Party leaders and candidates are actively engaging with voters through public meetings, corner meetings, and election gatherings.
Political analysts believe that the elections will pave the way for the formation of a new government in AJK, while the results are likely to have a significant impact on the political landscape of the region.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has directed all political parties and candidates to strictly follow the election code of conduct, reiterating its commitment to holding free, fair, and transparent elections.