- Voting continues until 17.00.
- Security deployed across all constituencies.
- 296 candidates are fighting for 13 places.
MUZAFFARABAD: Voting began on Monday in the first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with voters casting ballots across 13 constituencies in the three districts of Mirpur Division.
Voting started at 8 am and will continue till 5 pm. A total of 296 candidates, including those from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and independents, are contesting the election.
According to election officials, 1,401,439 registered voters are eligible to vote in the 13 constituencies of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. The electorate consists of 725,118 male voters and 675,628 female voters.
A total of 2,454 polling stations have been established across Mirpur Division, including 597 in four constituencies in Mirpur district, 1,107 in six constituencies in Kotli district and 608 in three constituencies in Bhimber district.
Authorities said extensive security arrangements had been put in place for the election.
AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal warned that legal action would be taken against anyone trying to disrupt the voting process.
Separately, AJK Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said the people of Azad Kashmir had rejected “disruptive elements” and expressed confidence in the democratic process. He added that all state institutions were fully prepared to ensure peaceful elections and warned that the law would take its course against anyone who tries to obstruct the electoral process or disrupt public order.
