Polling in the LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I constituency has been deferred to August 4 following severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and landslides, which disrupted the electoral process. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Election Commissioner announced the postponement on Sunday.
During a press briefing, the Chief Election Commissioner explained that overnight downpours caused landslides and uprooted trees, obstructing roads and preventing election personnel and materials from reaching polling stations. This situation made it impossible to conduct voting as initially planned.
In a significant development, the Election Commission decided to delay the polling to uphold the integrity and transparency of the election, adhering strictly to legal provisions. The Chief Election Commissioner emphasized the importance of voting, urging citizens to participate actively, stating that democratic change is achievable only through the ballot.
He highlighted that voting is not only a democratic right but also an Islamic duty, encouraging the public to fulfill this responsibility. He firmly rejected violence or any alternative means as a path to democratic transformation.
The Chief Election Commissioner confirmed that while polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I will now take place on August 4, elections in other constituencies are proceeding as scheduled. He also assured that election officials are addressing all complaints promptly and are committed to executing their duties impartially and without external influence.
Furthermore, stringent security measures have been implemented at sensitive polling locations throughout Azad Kashmir. The Chief Election Commissioner expressed optimism about a robust voter turnout, particularly in the Mirpur Division.
