MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission on Friday announced that polling will only be held in a few constituencies during the third phase of the election in AJK on August 10, citing concerns over the prevailing law and order situation.
In a press release, the spokesperson said that polling will be held only in the three constituencies of Bagh and one constituency in Haveli district on August 10, as per the previous schedule.
Poonch Division comprises 11 constituencies, including three in Bagh, one in Haveli, five in Poonch and two in Sudhnoti district.
The electoral body further said that polling will not be held in the constituencies of Poonch and Sudhanoti districts on August 10.
The Election Commission spokesperson added the commission had reviewed the security situation in light of a report submitted by the Secretary Home AJK, as well as requests from several political leaders and candidates seeking postponement of polling in the affected districts.
“According to the report received from the Secretary Home Azad Jammu and Kashmir, there are concerns regarding the law and order situation in some areas of Poonch district and Pilandri district,” it stated.
The commission further added that the new date and revised election schedule for the elections in Poonch and Sudhnoti districts will be announced later after assessing the situation and keeping in mind all relevant matters.
The Election Commission clarifies that the “above decision has been taken only in the context of the prevailing law and order situation”, so as to ensure that the elections are held in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful environment.
