Muhammad Irfanullah | August 10, 2026
BAGH, Azad Kashmir: Polling has begun in four constituencies of Bagh and Haveli districts as the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir general elections gets underway, with more than 460,000 registered voters eligible to cast their ballots.
Voting started at 8:00 a.m. and will continue until 5:00 p.m. without a break, according to election officials.
The third phase is being closely watched as political parties seek to strengthen their position following the results of the first two phases, in which the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the leading party.
Four Constituencies Go to Polls
The third phase covers four constituencies:
- LA-14
- LA-15
- LA-16
- LA-17
A total of 82 candidates are contesting the four seats.
The main contest is expected to be between candidates backed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), although candidates from other political groups and independents are also taking part.
More than 460,000 registered voters are eligible to participate in the polling process across the four constituencies.
Polling Continues Without Interruption
Election authorities said polling stations opened on schedule at 8:00 a.m. and will remain open until 5:00 p.m.
Unlike some electoral processes where polling may be suspended temporarily, voting in these constituencies is scheduled to continue throughout the day without a break.
Officials have made arrangements to facilitate voters and maintain order at polling stations, while security personnel have also been deployed to help ensure a peaceful voting process.
Elections Postponed in Poonch and Sudhanoti
The third phase does not include several constituencies in Poonch and Sudhanoti, where elections have been postponed.
According to the Chief Election Commissioner, a new date for polling in those constituencies will be announced later.
The postponement means the full electoral picture will not become clear until voting is completed in the remaining constituencies.
PML-N Leads After First Two Phases
The third phase comes after the PML-N established a strong position in the first two rounds of voting.
In the first phase, elections were held for 13 seats in the Mirpur Division. The PML-N won nine seats, while the PPP secured four.
The second phase covered nine seats in the Muzaffarabad Division along with 12 seats reserved for refugees. According to the reported results, the PML-N won 15 seats, while the PPP secured six.
The results have given the PML-N an early advantage, but the contests in Bagh and Haveli could influence the balance of power as the election process moves toward completion.
Close Contest Expected in Bagh and Haveli
With the PML-N leading the first two phases, political attention has now shifted to the four constituencies going to the polls in Bagh and Haveli.
The contest between the PML-N and PPP is expected to be closely watched, particularly because the results could determine whether the ruling party’s early advantage is maintained.
For the opposition, the third phase provides an opportunity to narrow the gap and demonstrate stronger support in the region.
Voters Head to Polling Stations
Voters began arriving at polling stations after voting opened in the morning.
Election officials have urged voters to follow polling procedures and cooperate with security and election staff to ensure the process remains orderly.
The level of voter participation will also be an important factor in determining the outcome, particularly in closely contested constituencies where even a relatively small difference in turnout could affect the final result.
Counting to Begin After Polls Close
Once polling ends at 5:00 p.m., election officials will begin counting the votes.
Unofficial and preliminary results are expected to emerge as counting progresses, while final results will be announced by the relevant election authorities after the completion of the required procedures.
The results from Bagh and Haveli will provide another indication of the overall political direction of the Azad Kashmir elections.
What Comes Next?
The third phase is an important stage in the election process, but the postponement of polling in Poonch and Sudhanoti means the complete electoral outcome will take longer to determine.
For now, all eyes are on the four constituencies in Bagh and Haveli, where voters are deciding between 82 candidates and where the PML-N and PPP are expected to remain at the centre of the political contest.
As polling continues, turnout, voting patterns and the eventual margins of victory will be closely watched by political parties and observers across Azad Kashmir.
