Author: Muhammad Irfan Ullah
Publication Date: July 27, 2026
The True Post — Polling has officially begun in the first phase of the 2026 Azad Kashmir General Elections, with voters heading to polling stations across the Mirpur Division, which includes the districts of Mirpur, Bhimber, and Kotli.
More than 1.4 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots in 13 constituencies, where 288 candidates are competing for seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly. Authorities have deployed thousands of security personnel to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
Voting Underway Across 13 Constituencies
The first phase of the elections covers 13 assembly seats, including:
- 4 constituencies in Mirpur
- 3 constituencies in Bhimber
- 6 constituencies in Kotli
Polling started on schedule after election materials were successfully delivered to all polling stations.
Election officials said voting is proceeding under strict monitoring to ensure compliance with electoral laws and maintain public confidence in the democratic process.
More Than 1.4 Million Registered Voters
According to the Election Commission of Azad Kashmir, a total of 1,400,437 registered voters are eligible to vote in the first phase.
The voter breakdown includes:
- 724,811 male voters
- 675,626 female voters
To facilitate voting, authorities have established 2,316 polling stations throughout the Mirpur Division.
Among them:
- 1,241 polling stations have been classified as highly sensitive.
- 724 polling stations have been designated as sensitive due to security concerns.
Tight Political Contest Expected
Political analysts expect a close contest between candidates from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Candidates from the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), along with several independent contenders, are also seeking to secure significant support from voters.
During the election campaign, political parties focused on issues such as infrastructure, employment, development projects, and public services, hoping to gain voter confidence.
Heavy Security Deployed
Authorities have implemented extensive security arrangements to maintain law and order during polling.
More than 18,560 security personnel have been deployed across the Mirpur Division, while approximately 2,100 Pakistan Army troops are assisting civil authorities in safeguarding polling stations and ensuring a peaceful voting environment.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process or violate election laws would face strict legal action.
Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan also reaffirmed that all state institutions are fully prepared to ensure peaceful and transparent elections.
Two Presiding Officers Suspended and Arrested
In a notable development, the Election Commission confirmed the suspension and arrest of two presiding officers in Kotli.
According to officials, the officers allegedly left their assigned polling stations and went to a private residence instead of performing their official duties.
The Returning Officer immediately took custody of the election materials, suspended both officials, and appointed replacements who were dispatched to the polling stations without delay.
Authorities stated that violations of election procedures would not be tolerated and legal action would continue against anyone found responsible.
Election Transparency Remains a Priority
The Election Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent, and impartial elections, stating that any negligence or irregularity would be dealt with under the law.
Meanwhile, senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah raised concerns about the electoral process in LA-10 Kotli, calling for an investigation and requesting that polling in the constituency be halted until the allegations are examined.
Awaiting the Results
As polling continues across the Mirpur Division, attention is now turning toward voter turnout and the eventual election results, which will determine the political direction of the region for the coming years.
Election authorities have urged voters to cast their ballots peacefully, follow official instructions, and rely only on verified information issued by the Election Commission throughout the voting process.
