AJK polling postponed in LA-27 after landslides

MUZAFFARABAD: Polling for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly constituency LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I was postponed on Sunday after heavy monsoon rains and landslides cut off key roads, preventing election officials and polling materials from reaching voting stations on time.

According to the AJK Election Commission, severe weather disrupted transportation routes across parts of the constituency, making it impossible for polling staff and election equipment to arrive before the scheduled start of voting. As a result, polling in the constituency was suspended for the day.

The commission said the decision was taken after assessing the situation on the ground and consulting the district administration, which had been working to reopen blocked roads since early morning. However, despite continued efforts, several affected routes remained inaccessible due to landslides and debris caused by the intense rainfall.

Election authorities announced that a new polling date for LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I would be declared later in the day, with an official announcement expected at 2pm.

The Election Commission expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to voters and appealed for public cooperation, stressing that the postponement was necessary to ensure the safety of election personnel and to conduct the electoral process in a fair and orderly manner.

While polling was halted in LA-27, voting in all other constituencies across Azad Jammu and Kashmir continued according to schedule under security arrangements. Election officials said polling activities elsewhere remained unaffected by the weather.

The suspension highlights the challenges posed by the ongoing monsoon season in the mountainous region, where heavy rainfall frequently triggers landslides and road closures, disrupting transportation and public services.

Authorities said they were closely monitoring weather conditions and coordinating with local administration to restore road access as quickly as possible so that polling in the affected constituency can be held without further delay.

Voters in LA-27 have been advised to stay updated through official Election Commission announcements regarding the revised polling schedule and any additional instructions.