AJK gears up for second phase of elections

Preparations are in full swing for the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with polling scheduled for

Preparations are in full swing for the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with polling scheduled for August 2 across Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee seats.

The second phase will cover the three districts of Muzaffarabad Division—Muzaffarabad, Neelum and Jhelum Valley—as well as 12 constituencies reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan.

According to election authorities, a total of 890,621 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division. Of these, 427,955 are male voters, while 381,666 are female voters.

To facilitate polling, 1,483 polling stations have been established across the division. District Muzaffarabad, which has five constituencies, will have 1,205 polling stations. District Neelum, comprising two constituencies, will have 278 polling stations, while 328 polling stations have been set up in the two constituencies of Jhelum Valley.

A total of 208 candidates are contesting the nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division, making the second phase a closely watched electoral contest.

Meanwhile, Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan will also cast their votes for 12 refugee constituencies, evenly divided between six Jammu seats and six Valley seats.

The Jammu refugee constituencies include LA-34 Jammu-I through LA-39 Jammu-VI, while the Valley refugee constituencies comprise LA-40 Valley-I through LA-45 Valley-VI.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission will announce the results of all 12 refugee constituencies after the completion of polling. Authorities have said all necessary arrangements have been finalised to ensure a peaceful, transparent and orderly voting process during the second phase of the elections.