852 candidates enter AJKelection race

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission on Sunday issued the final list of candidates for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections, with 852 candidates set to contest 45 constituencies after more than 320 aspirants withdrew from the race.

The commission also allotted election symbols to 24 registered political parties, while symbols for independent candidates will be issued shortly. A total of 126 candidates will contest the 12 refugee constituencies, according to the election commission.

According to the final list, Kotli has the largest number of candidates, with 135 contenders vying for six constituencies.

It is followed by Muzaffarabad, where 126 candidates will contest five seats, while 126 candidates are also in the field across seven constituencies in Poonch and Sudhanoti.

The election commission said 98 candidates will contest the four constituencies of Mirpur, 83 are in the race for four seats in Bagh and Haveli, and 63 candidates will contest three constituencies in Bhimber.

It further said that 51 candidates are contesting the two constituencies of Neelum, while 34 candidates are in the field from Jhelum Valley.

The commission added that election symbols have been allotted to 24 registered political parties, while symbols for independent candidates will be issued in due course.