Polling in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s constituency LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1 has been postponed after heavy rainfall triggered landslides that blocked key roads, preventing election staff and polling materials from reaching polling stations.
The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir announced the postponement after transport routes remained inaccessible despite efforts by the district administration to restore them.
Officials said a new polling date will be announced at 2 p.m.
Landslides Disrupt Election Arrangements
According to election officials, continuous rainfall caused landslides that blocked several roads across the constituency.
As a result, polling staff and election materials could not arrive at their designated locations on time. Authorities attempted to reopen the affected routes. However, the road network could not be restored before polling began.
Consequently, the Election Commission decided to postpone voting in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1.
Polling Continues Elsewhere
While voting has been delayed in LA-27, the Election Commission confirmed that polling is continuing as scheduled in all other constituencies.
The Commission also appealed to voters for patience and cooperation, assuring them that the postponed polling process will resume once a new schedule is announced.
Concerns Raised Before Announcement
Earlier in the day, PPP Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor expressed concern over delays in polling arrangements.
He stated that polling staff had not reached stations designated for PPP candidate Sardar Javed Ayub in LA-27. According to him, the delay prevented voters from exercising their right to vote.
He called for the immediate deployment of election staff and the timely commencement of polling.
The Election Commission’s later announcement confirmed that polling in the constituency would instead be held on a later date.
Second Phase of AJK Elections Underway
The postponement comes during the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.
This phase covers nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad Division, along with 12 refugee seats located in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.
Despite the disruption in LA-27, election activities are continuing in the remaining constituencies according to schedule.
Previous Phase Witnessed Security Challenges
The latest delay follows a difficult first phase of the elections.
Earlier polling witnessed incidents of clashes in Nakyal, unrest in Samahni, and violence in Rawalakot, creating additional challenges during the electoral process.
Unlike those earlier incidents, the postponement in LA-27 resulted from severe weather and blocked roads rather than security concerns.
Weather Adds New Challenge to Electoral Process
The latest development highlights how adverse weather can affect election logistics, particularly in mountainous regions where landslides frequently disrupt transportation.
With polling postponed in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1, election officials are expected to announce a revised schedule after assessing road conditions and ensuring that polling staff and election materials can safely reach all designated stations.
