Final day for withdrawal of nomination papers in AJK elections as polling set for July 27

Today marks the final day for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers for the upcoming general elections

Today marks the final day for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers for the upcoming general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), with the electoral process entering its final stages ahead of polling later this month.

According to the Election Commission, a total of 1,265 nomination papers were submitted by candidates contesting 45 legislative assembly constituencies across Azad Kashmir. The figures reflect strong political participation as parties and independent candidates prepare for the elections scheduled to be held on July 27.

An Election Commission spokesperson said that of the total candidates, 1,047 submitted nomination papers for 33 territorial constituencies within Azad Kashmir, while 218 candidates are contesting 12 reserved constituencies representing Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan.

Following the scrutiny process, election authorities rejected a total of 41 nomination papers after examining candidates’ eligibility and legal requirements. The scrutiny was conducted in accordance with the electoral laws and regulations governing the AJK Legislative Assembly elections.

The Election Commission stated that candidates wishing to withdraw from the electoral race must do so by the end of today, which is the last date fixed under the election schedule. Once the withdrawal process is completed, the commission will prepare the final list of candidates eligible to contest the polls.

According to the election timetable, final list of candidates will be published on July 5, providing voters and political parties with a confirmed picture of the contestants in each constituency.

The next stage of the electoral process will take place on July 6, when the Election Commission will allocate official election symbols to all approved candidates. Election symbols play a vital role in Pakistan’s electoral system, helping voters identify candidates, particularly those who may have difficulty reading names on the ballot paper.

On the same day, the commission will also release the final list of candidates along with their allocated election symbols, completing the formal preparations before campaigning enters its final phase.

Election officials said all necessary administrative arrangements are being made to ensure that the voting process is conducted in a transparent, orderly and peaceful manner. Authorities are expected to coordinate with security agencies to maintain law and order at polling stations and facilitate smooth voting across the region.

Political parties have already intensified their campaigns, with senior leaders addressing public gatherings and presenting their manifestos to voters. The upcoming election is expected to attract significant public interest, as political parties compete for seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

The Election Commission has also urged candidates and political parties to comply with the code of conduct throughout the campaign period to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.

According to the Election Commission spokesperson, polling will take place on Monday, July 27, when eligible voters across the 45 constituencies will cast their ballots to elect members of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

With the deadline for withdrawing nomination papers ending today and the publication of the final candidate list scheduled over the coming days, the electoral process is entering its decisive phase as Azad Kashmir prepares for one of its most significant democratic exercises.