Final phase of AJK electoral process hits a snag
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission (AJKEC) on Friday postponed polling in Rawalakot and Sudhnoti districts for the third phase of the 2026 general elections, citing deteriorating law and order situation and over security concerns, while allowing the electoral process to continue as scheduled in Bagh and Haveli districts.
The decision, announced only two days before the scheduled polling on August 10, marks a major development in the final phase of the electoral process and is expected to delay the completion of the elections in AJK.
According to an official statement issued by the Election Commission, the decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal.
The meeting reviewed a comprehensive report submitted by the AJK Home Secretary, security briefings by law enforcement agencies, reports from district administrations and representations submitted by political parties contesting candidates and other stakeholders expressing concerns over the prevailing security environment.
The commissioner said the home secretary's report highlighted serious concerns regarding the law and order situation in Rawalakot and Sudhnoti, warning that the prevailing conditions could undermine the holding of free, fair and peaceful elections.
The report also pointed to heightened political tensions and security risks that could endanger voters, polling personnel and election officials.
Following detailed deliberations, the commission unanimously decided to postpone polling in all six constituencies of Rawalakot and Sudhnoti, where voting had been scheduled for August 10.
The polls on another seat in Baloch constituency of Sudhnoti was also postponed after the natural death of the candidate. However, polling will proceed as planned in three constituencies of Bagh district and one constituency in Haveli district.
The election commissioner said all election arrangements in these constituencies had been completed, including the deployment of presiding officers, polling staff, election materials and security personnel.
He reiterated during the meeting that the Commission's constitutional responsibility was to ensure elections that are free, fair, transparent and peaceful.
He said every voter must be provided with an opportunity to exercise the right to vote without fear or intimidation and stressed that the Commission would not compromise on the integrity or credibility of the electoral process.
"The election commission is duty-bound to take every decision in accordance with the Constitution and the law. Wherever circumstances threaten the transparency of the electoral process or the safety of voters and election staff, the Commission is empowered to take appropriate action," the Chief Election Commissioner was quoted as saying.
The commission clarified that the postponement was not based solely on security assessments but also took into consideration formal requests submitted by several political parties, candidates and other stakeholders, who had urged the Commission to review the situation in view of the deteriorating security environment.
According to the commission, these representations expressed fears that the prevailing conditions could affect election campaigning, voter turnout and the peaceful conduct of polling.
The Election Commission rejected any suggestion that the decision had been influenced by political considerations, maintaining that it was based entirely on objective security assessments, administrative reports and its constitutional obligation to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Officials said Election Commission would continue monitoring the security situation in consultation with the Home Department and law enforcement agencies before announcing a revised polling schedule for the postponed constituencies.
"The new polling date and revised election schedule for Rawalakot and Sudhnoti will be announced after reviewing the evolving security situation and completing all necessary administrative arrangements," the election Commission said.
Political observers described the postponement as one of the most significant developments of the ongoing election process, noting that the delayed polling could affect the timing of the completion of the electoral exercise and, consequently, the formation of the next government in AJK.
The Election Commission has appealed to political parties, candidates and voters to cooperate with state institutions, avoid spreading rumours and help maintain peace so that the remaining electoral process can be completed in a secure and transparent environment.
Meanwhile, the AJK government declared a public holiday on August 10 in Bagh and Haveli districts to facilitate voting in the constituencies where polling will proceed as scheduled. A formal notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department said the holiday was intended to enable voters to exercise their democratic right and ensure the smooth conduct of polling.
The AJK general elections are being held in phases across the territory. Polling in the first phase, covering Mirpur Division, has already been completed, followed by the second phase in Muzaffarabad Division and the refugee constituencies.
The Election Commission said a revised date for the postponed constituencies would be announced after the security situation improves, effectively creating a final phase to conclude the electoral process in AJK.