Azad Kashmir polls to be held on July 27 as planned

he Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has revised the election schedule for the upcoming Legislative Assembly general elections while confirming that polling will still take place on July 27, 2026.

Muzaffarabad: The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has revised the election schedule for the upcoming Legislative Assembly general elections while confirming that polling will still take place on July 27, 2026.

According to an official statement issued by the Election Commission spokesperson, the amendments were made after considering public convenience and suggestions received from prospective candidates. The revised schedule is intended to facilitate the electoral process and provide additional time for candidates to complete nomination formalities.

Under the updated timetable, the deadline for submitting nomination papers has been extended to June 23, 2026, until 5:00 PM. The Election Commission stated that the extension was granted in response to requests from candidates seeking more time to file their nomination documents.

The scrutiny of nomination papers will begin at 8:00 AM on June 24. On the same day, a preliminary list of valid candidates will be released following the completion of the verification process.

The Commission further announced that appeals against decisions made by Returning Officers can be filed between June 25 and June 28. These appeals will be heard on June 29 and June 30, while final decisions on the appeals are scheduled to be announced on July 1 and July 2.

Candidates wishing to withdraw their nomination papers may do so until 2:00 PM on July 3. The revised list of contesting candidates will be published on July 4, while election symbols will be allotted on July 5. A final list of candidates along with their assigned election symbols will also be issued on the same day.

The Election Commission clarified that candidates from District Poonch (Rawalakot) must submit their nomination papers directly to the respective Returning Officers in Rawalakot. The scrutiny process for these candidates will also be conducted within the district, ensuring administrative consistency and convenience.

Officials emphasized that despite the amendments to the election schedule, the polling date remains unchanged. Voters across Azad Jammu and Kashmir will cast their ballots on July 27, 2026, as previously announced.

The Election Commission has urged all candidates to carefully follow the revised schedule and submit their nomination papers within the specified deadlines to avoid any complications during the electoral process.

The revised election timetable is expected to streamline preparations and ensure a smooth, transparent, and well-organized electoral process across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.