AJK elections 2026 will begin on July 27 and will be conducted in three phases under the supervision of the armed forces, Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal announced on Tuesday. The revised polling schedule covers all divisions and refugee constituencies.
Addressing a press conference in Muzaffarabad, Mughal said polling in Mirpur Division will take place on July 27. Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 refugee constituencies will vote on August 2, while Poonch Division will go to the polls on August 10.
The Election Commission said the AJK elections 2026 will be held under strict security arrangements with armed forces deployed to support the electoral process. Authorities said preparations are underway to ensure peaceful and transparent voting.
The announcement comes as election campaigns enter their final week. Political parties have intensified public outreach, while election officials continue logistical and security planning ahead of polling across the region.
Earlier, advance voting for government employees assigned election duties concluded in eight districts. Election officials reported voter turnout of more than 80 percent in most districts where polling was held and described the process as peaceful and orderly.
Advance polling was postponed in Rawalakot and Sudhnoti because of security concerns. The decision followed previous unrest linked to protests by the Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which resulted in casualties among protesters and law enforcement personnel.
The 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly includes 45 general seats and 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. The AJK elections 2026 are expected to be closely watched as major political parties compete to form the next regional government.
