MUZAFFARABAD – Election Commission of Azad Kashmir unveiled revised schedule for legislative assembly elections, with polling set to start on July 27 under 3-phase voting plan aimed at ensuring peaceful and transparent elections.
The election landscape in Azad Kashmir has undergone major shake-up, with the Election Commission unveiling a revised three-phase polling schedule amid heightened political speculation and growing public concern over security.
AJK Election Schedule
| Division / Seats | Polling Date |
|---|---|
| Mirpur Division | July 27, 2026 |
| Muzaffarabad Division | August 2, 2026 |
| 12 Reserved Refugee Seats | August 2, 2026 |
| Poonch Division | August 10, 2026 |
Chief Election Commissioner Mustafa Mughal announced that polling will now be conducted across the region’s three divisions on separate dates, dismissing rumors that the elections could be postponed due to the prevailing situation. Under the revised schedule, Mirpur Division will vote first on July 27, followed by Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 reserved refugee seats on August 2, while Poonch Division will head to the polls on August 10.
Chief Election Commissioner said the staggered electoral process would also mean that results will be announced phase by phase, instead of the traditional practice of releasing all outcomes simultaneously after polling concludes.
Addressing concerns over security, Mustafa Mughal rejected the perception that the overall law and order situation in Kashmir was deteriorating. “It is not right to suggest that the security situation is generally unsafe for polling,” he said while speaking to the media, adding that the military is called in only when the situation is completely beyond the control of civil authorities.
He explained that the Election Commission opted for phased polling plan primarily to ensure effective maintenance of law and order while providing voters with a free, fair and transparent electoral environment. He acknowledged that uncertainty had been mounting among the public, particularly within political circles, with many fearing that the elections might be delayed due to the prevailing circumstances.
First Phase of AJK Elections begins as govt employees cast votes
