AJK elections to be held in July, polling likely early in month: CEC AJK

MUZAFFARABAD: Chief Election Commissioner Azad Kashmir Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal has said that the general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be held in the month of July, while polling is expected in the first or second week of July.

The Chief Election Commissioner said that the rumors circulating about the postponement of the elections are baseless and the Election Commission is trying to hold the elections on time with full preparations.

He said that the preparations for the elections are going on in full swing, while the electoral rolls will be displayed on April 30; moreover, the election schedule is likely to be released in mid-May.

Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said that consultations with political parties have been completed, and their suggestions for conducting the elections in a transparent manner have also been obtained.

He said that some unregistered political parties have also been included as observers to ensure impartial and transparent elections.

The Chief Election Commissioner said that Kashmiris living all over the world are keeping a close eye on the elections in Azad Kashmir, and the electoral process must be made transparent and fair at all costs.

He clarified that immediately after the election schedule, the government will be contacted regarding the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers for security matters.

Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said that implementing court decisions is everyone’s responsibility, while matters related to the 13th Constitutional Amendment and the presidential election are under hearing in the courts, and it is the responsibility of all institutions, including the Election Commission, to implement these decisions.

The Chief Election Commissioner emphasized on the positive and responsible use of social media and said that negative propaganda should be avoided.