MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission has rescheduled polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad 01 for August 4, following the postponement of elections originally scheduled for August 2.
According to the Election Commission, polling was delayed after election staff failed to reach the constituency on time, making it impossible to conduct the electoral process as planned. Following the disruption, the Commission issued a fresh schedule, announcing August 4 as the new polling date.
According to a press release issued by the Election Commission, polling was scheduled to be held on August 2, 2026, for 12 Legislative Assembly seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan and nine constituencies of the Muzaffarabad Division.
A three-way contest is expected in the constituency, with former government minister Noreen Arif representing the PML-N, Sardar Javed Ayub contesting on the PPP ticket, and Sardar Tabarak Ali representing the IPP.
The Election Commission has directed all concerned authorities to complete the necessary arrangements to ensure that polling is conducted smoothly, transparently, and peacefully on the revised date.
Polling canceled due to rain
Earlier, the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) had postponed polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1 after heavy rains, landslides, and fallen trees blocked key roads, preventing the timely transportation of polling staff and election materials.
The Commission said that severe weather conditions in the upper and remote areas of LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1 since Friday night caused multiple roads to become impassable. Despite extensive efforts by the district administration and relevant agencies to restore road access, the routes could not be fully reopened in time for polling arrangements.
In view of the exceptional circumstances, the Election Commission decided to postpone polling in the constituency. It said the new polling date for LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1 will be announced at 2:00 pm today.
The Election Commission expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the postponement and appealed to voters to cooperate with the authorities.
