AJK revises election schedule, announces three-phase polling for 2026 assembly elections

MIRPUR: The Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, on Tuesday announced that the region’s general elections will now be held in three phases, issuing a revised election schedule while rejecting calls to postpone the polls.

Addressing a press conference, the chief election commissioner said polling would take place in Mirpur Division on July 27 during the first phase. The second phase will be held on August 2 in Muzaffarabad Division and for the refugee seats, while the third and final phase will take place in Poonch Division on August 10, completing the electoral process across AJK.

Justice Mughal said unofficial and official results for each phase would be announced immediately after polling concludes in that respective phase.

He said the revised schedule had been introduced for administrative reasons and to strengthen election arrangements, ensuring that the polling process remains transparent, organised and peaceful.

According to the chief election commissioner, conducting the elections in phases will enable authorities to improve security deployment, manage election staff more effectively and enhance oversight of the overall electoral process.

He also directed all returning officers, district administrations and law enforcement agencies to complete their preparations in line with the revised schedule to ensure the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections.

The announcement comes after the Election Commission rejected demands from some quarters seeking a postponement of the AJK general elections.

Latest electoral rolls show over 411,000 registered voters across four constituencies

More than 411,000 voters are registered across the four constituencies of Mirpur district, according to the latest electoral rolls released by the Election Commission. A total of 411,138 voters have been registered in the district, where 597 polling stations will be established. The increase in the number of registered voters, both men and women, is expected to intensify political activity ahead of the polls.

Official figures show that Mirpur district has 208,898 male voters and 202,240 female voters.

In LA-1 Mirpur-I, there are 105,174 registered voters, including 53,211 men and 51,963 women, with 139 polling stations to be set up. LA-2 Mirpur-II has 99,585 voters, comprising 50,008 male and 49,577 female voters, who will cast their ballots at 135 polling stations.

LA-3 Mirpur-III is the district’s largest constituency, with 106,755 registered voters, including 54,607 men and 52,148 women. A total of 161 polling stations will be established in the constituency. Meanwhile, LA-4 Mirpur-IV has 99,624 voters, including 51,072 male and 48,552 female voters, with 162 polling stations designated for polling.

Political observers say the growing voter base is likely to intensify election campaigns in the district, with political parties expected to step up efforts to mobilise voters as the elections draw closer.