MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, has urged citizens to exercise their democratic right for the second phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly general elections.
In a message issued on the occasion, the Chief Election Commissioner said voting will be held for nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 seats reserved for refugees residing in Pakistan.
He said election materials have been successfully delivered to all polling stations for the 12 refugee constituencies, while the distribution process has been completed in all constituencies of Neelum and Jhelum Valley.
Delivery of polling materials to the five constituencies of Muzaffarabad has also entered its final stage.
Justice Mughal said polling staff had been dispatched to their respective polling stations under strict security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
He called on voters to actively participate in the elections and use the power of their vote to elect capable and honest representatives. “There is no alternative to voting. Every citizen should fulfil this national responsibility, as a vote is a trust that should be entrusted to deserving and qualified candidates,” he said.
He added that polling will take place from 8 am to 5 pm. He noted that the situation has definitely deteriorated but it has been brought under control, adding that our returning officers have reached the stations along with army forces.
He warned that if anyone tries to obstruct the elections, the forces will deal with them with iron hands.
The CEC further noted that 18 to 19 thousand army personnel, Rangers, police and FC are deployed in Muzaffarabad division for the elections. A few polling stations in Khaora and Lachhrat constituencies are sensitive, where heavy and QR forces have been deployed.
The Chief Election Commissioner, speaking today, has finalized the results of Mirpur division. If anyone has any objection, the doors of the courts are open.
The head of EC Mughal went on to say that the election date in Rawalakot division is not final. If the situation does not improve, the elections may be delayed.
The Chief Election Commissioner also appealed to the public to play an active role in strengthening democracy by participating in the electoral process. He assured voters that all necessary arrangements had been completed to ensure peaceful, transparent, and fair elections across the constituencies.
