Preparations for the 2026 general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are advancing rapidly, marked by a historic surge in the submission of nomination papers compared to the 2021 elections. This significant increase underscores heightened political enthusiasm and public involvement in the democratic process throughout the region.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has reported that nomination papers have been received in large numbers from all constituencies, including refugee seats and the Rawalakot division, with the deadline set for June 23. To streamline voting, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal announced that polling stations with more than 500 registered voters will be equipped with two polling booths, aiming to facilitate smoother voter turnout.
Election Commission Secretary Raja Shakeel Khan revealed that a total of 518 nomination papers have been submitted from across AJK, covering the Mirpur, Poonch, and Rawalakot divisions. Of these, 114 nominations pertain to reserved refugee seats, while 130 have been filed from the seven constituencies within the Poonch division.
In a significant development, officials emphasized that the record-breaking number of candidates reflects the strong confidence of the Kashmiri populace in their political system and democratic institutions, signaling an engaged and vibrant electoral environment ahead of the upcoming polls.
