The third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections will see polling in only four constituencies of the Poonch division on August 10, while voting for seven other seats has been delayed due to security concerns.
According to the Election Commission spokesperson, voters in four constituencies of Bagh and Haveli districts will cast their ballots tomorrow.
Azad Kashmir Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal confirmed that polling will be held in four constituencies of Bagh and Haveli on August 10.
Voting will take place in LA-14, LA-15, LA-16 and LA-17. The Election Commission has made arrangements for polling to proceed in the four constituencies despite the security situation.
Seven Poonch seats postponed
Polling for seven constituencies in two other districts of the Poonch division has been postponed because of security concerns.
The Election Commission will announce a fresh schedule for the remaining seats later. Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the commission could announce polling dates for Rawalakot and Sidhanoti within the next seven days.
He added that candidates contesting those seats would have to be provided adequate time to conduct their election campaigns before polling takes place.
Security tightened
Security forces have already reached Bagh and Haveli ahead of Monday’s polling.
According to the chief election commissioner, security personnel will be deployed at the most sensitive polling stations to ensure a peaceful voting process.
The deployment is aimed at maintaining law and order and providing security to voters, candidates and polling staff.
Justice (retd) Mustafa Mughal emphasized the importance of voting, describing it as both a democratic right and a religious duty. He said the public has a responsibility to ensure that the mandate entrusted to them is delivered to its rightful owner.
The Election Commission is continuing preparations for the third phase while working on a separate schedule for the seven postponed constituencies.
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