Web Desk: Polling began on Monday in the first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s general elections, with voters casting ballots in 13 constituencies across the Mirpur Division under heightened security.
Polling opened in the districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber and will continue uninterrupted until 5 pm, election authorities said.
The Election Commission established 2,454 polling stations across the three districts to facilitate voting.
Mirpur district has 597 polling stations covering four constituencies, while Kotli accounts for 1,107 polling stations across six constituencies. Bhimber’s three constituencies are served by 608 polling stations.
More than 1.4 million registered voters are eligible to vote in the first phase, including a substantial number of women voters.
A total of 296 candidates are contesting the 13 seats, representing major political parties as well as independent groups.
The contest features candidates from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), Jamaat-e-Islami, All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference and independent candidates.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is officially boycotting the elections and has not fielded candidates. However, several politicians formerly associated with the party are contesting as independents.
Authorities deployed police and other law enforcement personnel at polling stations, particularly those designated as sensitive, to ensure peaceful voting.
Officials warned that any attempt to disrupt the electoral process would prompt legal action.
The Azad Kashmir Election Commission has divided the general elections into three phases to strengthen security arrangements and improve election management.
In the second phase, voters in the Muzaffarabad Division and constituencies reserved for Kashmiri refugees will cast their ballots. The third and final phase will conclude polling in the four districts of the Poonch Division.
Authorities said the staggered schedule is intended to ensure better security and facilitate the smooth conduct of the elections.
Political observers view the 13 seats in the Mirpur Division as strategically important because the outcome is expected to shape momentum for the remaining two phases of the election.
A strong performance in the first phase could provide a psychological advantage and boost campaign efforts for the winning party in subsequent rounds.
The main contest is expected between the PPP and the PML-N, both of which maintain significant political influence at the federal level. At the same time, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party is seeking to expand its electoral presence.
PTI’s boycott has also elevated the importance of independent candidates, whose performances could influence the final composition of the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The participation of 296 candidates reflects intense political competition as the three-phase electoral process gets underway.
Read more: Election commission reject boycott claims as Azad Kashmir prepares for polls
