AJK Local Elections: Poonch Division Polls Expected by August 20-21
At a glance
- AJK local government elections in seven constituencies of Poonch division were postponed from August 10.
- Polling in these constituencies is now expected by August 20 or 21.
- The postponement was due to law and order concerns and protests over reserved seats.
Story so far
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission initially postponed the third phase of local government elections in seven constituencies across Poonch and Palandri (Sudhanoti) districts, which were scheduled for August 10. This decision was attributed to the prevailing law and order situation, requests from political figures, and information from relevant agencies. Polling, however, proceeded as scheduled on August 10 in four other constituencies in Bagh and Haveli districts. The postponement of elections in Poonch division was linked to unrest stemming from demands to abolish 12 seats reserved for migrants from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), a movement led by the now-banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The government also issued instructions for international media regarding reporting outside major cities, and internet restrictions were reported in the region. Recently, the AJK Chief Election Commissioner indicated that elections in the postponed Poonch division constituencies could now be held by August 20 or 21, with an official announcement expected within seven days.
Latest development
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Election Commissioner, Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, has indicated that elections in the seven postponed constituencies of Poonch division could be held by August 20 or 21. The Election Commission is expected to announce the precise date within the next seven days.
Latest updates
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Election Commissioner, Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, indicated on Saturday that elections in the seven postponed constituencies of Poonch division could be held by August 20 or 21. He added that the Election Commission would announce the exact date for Poonch and Sudhnoti districts within the next seven days, allowing voters time to campaign. Justice Mughal also stated that the decision to complete the electoral process in Bagh and Haveli districts first was made for security reasons. Security personnel have already been deployed to Bagh and Haveli, and the transportation of polling material is underway under army supervision. The Chief Election Commissioner also noted that while there is no constitutional impediment to successful candidates taking the oath, there are moral grounds for withholding it until the House is complete after the elections in Poonch and Sudhnoti districts.
The postponement of the third phase of local government elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is linked to unrest stemming from demands to abolish 12 seats reserved for migrants from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This movement was led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has since been banned by the government under anti-terrorism laws.
Additionally, the government has instructed international media to seek permission before reporting outside major cities, following coverage of protests and elections by foreign news organizations. Digital monitor NetBlocks also reported internet restrictions in the region, which residents stated affected voter turnout during the first two phases of the elections.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has announced a new polling date for the third phase of local government elections in the seven constituencies across Poonch and Palandri (Sudhanoti) districts, which were previously postponed.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has announced the postponement of the third phase of local government elections in seven constituencies across Poonch and Palandri (Sudhanoti) districts, which were scheduled for August 10.
According to a spokesperson for the commission, the decision was made due to the law and order situation, requests from some political figures and candidates, and information received from relevant agencies.
However, polling will proceed as scheduled on August 10 in four other constituencies: three in Bagh district and one in Haveli district.
The postponed elections include five constituencies in Poonch district (Rawalakot) and two in Sudhanoti district. The Election Commission stated that a new date and a revised schedule for these constituencies will be announced after a review of the situation.
The commission affirmed its commitment to ensuring the electoral process is free, fair, transparent, and peaceful. The first phase of the AJK local elections was held on July 27, followed by the second phase on August 2.
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