WEB DESK: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission on Friday revised the schedule for the third phase of the legislative elections, announcing that polling on August 10 will now be held only in Poonch and Bagh districts of the Poonch Division due to the prevailing security situation.
According to the revised schedule, voting will take place in eight constituencies, including three in Bagh and five in Poonch. Elections in 11 constituencies, including one in Haveli and two in Sudhnoti, have been postponed over security concerns.
In a statement, the Election Commission said the decision was taken after a detailed review of the prevailing situation in the Poonch and Haveli regions.
The commission said it had received a report from the AJK Home Secretary highlighting concerns over the law and order situation in parts of Poonch district and Pallandri district.
It added that several political leaders and election candidates had also requested the postponement of polling in the affected areas in view of the current security environment.
The Election Commission said new polling dates and a revised election schedule for the postponed constituencies would be announced after reviewing the situation and completing the necessary consultations.
The AJK legislative elections are being conducted in three phases. Polling in the Mirpur Division was held on July 27, while voting in the Muzaffarabad Division took place on August 2.
The third phase has been taking place amid heightened political tensions and protests in parts of the region.
Rawalakot has witnessed unrest since early June, with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) staging periodic sit-ins and demonstrations.
The JAAC has been demanding the abolition of 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir and has continued its protest campaign for several weeks.
The government has alleged that certain elements involved in the unrest are pursuing a foreign agenda and receiving support from India to destabilise the region.
