Major election reforms introduced in Azad Kashmir ahead of upcoming polls

MUZAFFARABAD: In preparation for the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the government has made significant progress and made major amendments to the Azad Kashmir Election Act 2020.

In this regard, Acting President Chaudhry Latif Akbar has issued a presidential ordinance using constitutional powers.

According to official sources, under the new ordinance, political parties banned in Pakistan will also be banned in Azad Kashmir. This ban will also apply to the affiliates and regional units of these parties so that the activities of any banned organization can be stopped in the electoral process.

Several important changes have been introduced in the electoral laws through the ordinance, which are aimed at making the electoral process more transparent and effective.

Under the new amendments, the system of monitoring political activities will be further tightened to ensure full compliance with the code of conduct.

Similarly, the 1989 refugees have been allowed to register and exercise their right to vote at their new residences. Refugees will not be deprived of their right to vote despite changing camps and will be provided with the facility to vote.

According to the new ordinance, the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has also been given the authority to formulate special procedures for refugees and prepare additional voter lists to ensure transparency and convenience in the electoral rolls.

Government sources say that this ordinance was issued due to the absence of a session of the Assembly, and it will come into force immediately. These new amendments will be implemented regularly in the upcoming Azad Kashmir elections.

According to the government, this move aims to make the electoral system more transparent, effective, and organized so that the democratic process can be strengthened in Azad Kashmir.