First phase of Azad Kashmir elections: Polling begins in 3 districts of Mirpur division

MIRPUR: Polling has begun in the first phase of the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, polling will continue from 8 am to 5 pm.

Elections are being held today in 13 constituencies of 3 districts of Mirpur division – Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimbar. 296 candidates including PPP, PML-N, Iqbal-e-Pakistan Party and independent candidates are in the fray.

The number of registered voters in 13 constituencies of 3 districts of Mirpur division – Mirpur, Kotli and Bhambar is 1.4 lakh 1,439. Out of which 7 lakh 25 thousand 118 are male voters and 6 lakh 75 thousand 628 are female voters.

2,454 polling stations have been set up in Mirpur division, including 597 in 4 constituencies of Mirpur district, 1,107 in 6 constituencies of Kotli district and 608 in 3 constituencies of Bhambar district.

Foolproof security arrangements have also been made for the elections. Chief Election Commissioner Azad Kashmir Justice (Retd. Ghulam) Mustafa Mughal says that legal action will be taken against those who obstruct the voting process.

Chief Secretary Azad Jammu and Kashmir Khushal Khan said that the people of Azad Kashmir have rejected the tools of chaos and expressed confidence in the democratic process. All state institutions are ready for peaceful elections. The law will be brought into action against those who obstruct the electoral process or disturb the peace.