MUZAFFARABAD: The election process for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly entered another crucial phase on Saturday as candidates contesting the upcoming general elections were given a final chance to withdraw their nomination papers before the polls later this month.
According to the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a total of 1,265 nomination papers were filed by candidates seeking to contest from 45 constituencies across the region. The elections are scheduled to be held on July 27, with authorities continuing preparations to ensure a smooth and transparent voting process.
A spokesperson for the Election Commission said that 1,047 candidates filed nomination papers for 33 regional constituencies in Azad Kashmir, while 218 candidates filed papers for 12 constituencies reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan.
Following the scrutiny process, the election authorities rejected 41 nomination papers after reviewing the candidates’ eligibility and legal requirements as per the election laws. The remaining candidates are now completing the final stages of the election schedule before the official campaign period intensifies.
The spokesperson confirmed that Saturday is the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers by candidates, allowing political parties and independent candidates to finalise their election strategies before the publication of the final list of candidates.
The Election Commission will publish the final list of candidates on July 5, providing voters with a verified line-up for all constituencies. A day later, on July 6, the candidates will be allotted election symbols, and an updated final list of assigned symbols will also be released.
The election authorities said that these steps are being taken under the approved election timetable to ensure transparency and provide equal opportunities to all candidates participating in the democratic process.
Polling for the Legislative Assembly elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be held on July 27, when voters in all 45 constituencies will exercise their franchise to elect members of the next Legislative Assembly. The Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to holding free, fair and peaceful elections in accordance with the law, while administrative preparations and coordination with relevant institutions are ongoing across the region.
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