Polling continued peacefully on Monday in the first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir general elections for 13 legislative assembly seats in Mirpur division. Voting began at 8 am and will continue till 5 pm as scheduled. To facilitate public participation in the election process, a public holiday was declared in Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli districts so that maximum voters could exercise their right to vote.
According to the Election Commission, 288 candidates are in the fray in the first phase, while 2,316 polling stations have been set up for voting. Of these, 1,241 polling stations have been declared highly sensitive and 724 sensitive. The entire region has been divided into 13 zones and 205 sectors to monitor the electoral activities.
More than 18,560 personnel have been deployed from the police, Rangers, Federal Constabulary and other law enforcement agencies to ensure law and order. Under the three-tier security plan, the police are the internal, Rangers and Federal Constabulary are the intermediate, while the Pakistan Army is handling the external security. About 2,100 military personnel are also deployed at sensitive locations, while the Quick Response Force is kept ready to deal with any emergency.
During the election campaign, political statements and critical comments continued between the leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party. According to political observers, these elections in Azad Kashmir are being considered a major test not only of the local leadership but also of the political popularity of the two major parties.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, while appealing to registered voters to vote in full force, said that comprehensive security arrangements have been made at all polling stations so that voters can exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation. He made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against those who disrupt the election process or violate the law.
The elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are being held in three phases in view of security concerns. The second phase will be held on August 2 in Muzaffarabad division and reserved seats for refugees, while the third and final phase will be held on August 10 in seats in Poonch division. Political parties, observers, and the public continue to keep a close eye on the election results and voter turnout.