AJK Elections Phase One Begins Today: Chief Election Commissioner Justice Retd Ghulam Mustafa Mughal Guarantees Free Fair And Transparent Polling Across Mirpur Kotli And Bhimber With Full Security Deployment
According to The Express Tribune, the first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections began on July 27, 2026, with approximately 1.4 million registered voters in Mirpur Division heading to the polls across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal appealed to voters to turn out in large numbers, calling every vote a national trust. “Public participation is the true strength of democracy, and every citizen should fulfil this constitutional responsibility peacefully,” he said.
The CEC confirmed that election machinery had been fully mobilised, polling stations equipped and staff trained, with the AJK Police, Rangers, Federal Constabulary and other security agencies deployed across all stations. He said he planned to personally inspect polling stations in all three districts on the day.
The election is being held in three phases, with Phase 1 covering Mirpur Division. The CEC also warned against social media misinformation, and vowed that any attempt to intimidate voters, violate election laws or disrupt peace would be dealt with strictly.
The context is heavy. AJK has endured a seven-week internet blackout and weeks of civil unrest ahead of these polls. Democracy is being asked to work in a region still recovering from both.
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