The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has revised the schedule for the third phase of regional elections. Polling in seven of Poonch Division’s 11 constituencies will not take place on August 10. The decision follows concerns about the law and order situation in several areas. However, voters in Bagh and Haveli districts will continue with the electoral process according to the original schedule.
The third phase covers Poonch Division, which includes 11 constituencies. Bagh has three constituencies, Haveli has one, Poonch district has five, and Sudhnoti has two.
Bagh and Haveli Polling to Continue
The Election Commission confirmed that polling will proceed in all three Bagh constituencies. Voting will also take place in Haveli’s single constituency on August 10.
However, authorities have postponed polling across the five constituencies of Poonch district. The commission also delayed voting in Pallandri, located in Sudhnoti district.
The decision came after officials reviewed the prevailing situation in the affected areas. According to the AJK home secretary’s report, authorities had concerns about maintaining law and order in parts of Poonch and Pallandri.
Moreover, several political figures and election candidates from the affected districts requested a postponement. They cited the current situation while asking authorities to delay the vote.
New Polling Dates Yet to Be Announced
The Election Commission has not yet announced replacement polling dates for the seven affected constituencies. Instead, it said officials would continue assessing the situation before issuing a revised election schedule.
The region’s elections are taking place in three phases. Polling in Mirpur Division took place on July 27, while voters in Muzaffarabad Division went to the polls on August 2.
The final phase was originally scheduled across Poonch Division on August 10. However, the latest decision means voters in only Bagh and Haveli will participate on that date.
Commission Cites Election Security
The Election Commission said the postponement was based solely on the prevailing law and order conditions. It stressed that the decision aims to ensure a peaceful electoral process. The commission said it wants elections to take place in a “free, fair, transparent and peaceful environment”.
Authorities will now monitor conditions before deciding when voters in Poonch and Pallandri can cast their ballots. The revised schedule is expected after the commission reviews all relevant factors.
