The AJK election second phase is set to begin with polling on 21 seats of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Election authorities have completed preparations, while voters will cast their ballots across Muzaffarabad division and refugee constituencies on August 2.
Polling will continue from 8am to 5pm, with voting scheduled on nine seats in Muzaffarabad division and 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. The Election Commission has dispatched election staff, materials, and security arrangements to polling stations.
A total of 208 candidates are competing for the nine seats in Muzaffarabad division, where more than 890,000 registered voters are eligible to participate. The division includes Muzaffarabad, Neelum, and Jhelum Valley districts, with thousands of polling booths established to facilitate the voting process.
In the refugee constituencies, 143 candidates are contesting 12 seats, with over 438,000 registered voters expected to take part. Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan will vote for representatives from Jammu and Valley constituencies under the reserved seat system.
The election is expected to witness a close competition among major political parties, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, and independent candidates. Political activity has intensified as parties seek control of the legislative assembly.
Security arrangements have been strengthened for the second phase of the election. Several constituencies have been declared highly sensitive, and more than 4,000 security personnel will be deployed to ensure peaceful polling and protect voters.
The first phase results from Mirpur division gave the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz an early advantage after securing nine out of 13 seats. As the AJK election second phase moves forward, political parties are closely watching the outcome before the final phase in Rawalakot division.
