MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has issued a code of conduct for the general election 2026, banning all new appointments, transfers of government employees, and creation of new posts.
According to a press release issued by the Election Commission spokesperson, the consent of the AJK Election Commission will have to be obtained for any election-related activity in view of the unavoidable situation.
The electoral body said that ministers and members of the legislative assembly will not distribute any government funds, including development, Zakat, Social Action Plan, and Bait-ul-Mal.
“Distribution of electricity poles, pipes, commercial and construction timber, trees from forests, etc., will be banned,” it stated.
The commission has also prohibited the government from launching new development schemes within the limits of Azad Kashmir. However, it said that routine development work will continue through the employees of the concerned departments.
“No candidate or his supporter will inaugurate any development project, nor will any government employee, except employees assigned for law and order, participate in any gathering or organize any such event,” the press release added.
Moreover, the electoral body has put a ban on the use of government resources, including government vehicles.
The press release further stated that all types of allotment or lease in the Board of Revenue, development authorities, including the Mangla Dam Housing Authority, will be banned.
“In case of violation of the code of conduct/instructions issued by the Election Commission or on a complaint with solid evidence, the Election Commission will take disciplinary action, which may include suspension of the government employee or disqualification of the candidate contesting the elections,” the commission warned.
AJK Election Schedule
Earlier on June 5, the AJK Election Commission announced that general elections in the region would be held on July 27, with voting to begin at 8 am and end at 5 pm.
The notification said that candidates could file their nomination papers with returning officers from June 9 to 4 pm on June 19, and the scrutiny of nomination papers would be carried out from June 20, while the list of the eligible candidates would be submitted on the same day.
It stated that the candidates will have between June 21 and June 24 to file appeals against rejection/acceptance of nomination papers, and the appeals will be heard on June 26 and 27 between 9 am and 4 pm.
According to the notification, the last date for decisions on appeals will be June 28 to June 29, and candidates can withdraw their nomination papers until June 30 before 2 pm.
The list of contesting candidates will be published on July 1, and symbols will be allotted along with the final list the next day, on July 2. Finally, polling will be held on July 27.
