Polling for the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir general election will be held on July 27 across 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division, with authorities saying all preparations have been completed in this regard.

Polling will begin at 8am and continue until 5pm without any break.

The elections will be held in 13 constituencies spread across the districts of Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli, where voters will cast their ballots to elect members of the AJK Legislative Assembly.

According to the AJK Election Commission, comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the peaceful conduct of polling.

Ballot papers, election material and all essential documents have been dispatched to the respective polling stations.

Officials said police and other law enforcement personnel provided security during the transportation of election material, while special arrangements were made to ensure their timely delivery to all polling stations.

A close contest is expected among candidates representing various political parties across the division.

Mirpur district has four constituencies, Bhimber three, and Kotli six.

The Election Commission said a total of 1,401,439 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 725,118 men and 675,628 women.

A total of 2,454 polling stations have been established across Mirpur Division, including 597 in Mirpur district, 1,107 in Kotli and 608 in Bhimber.

Overall, 296 candidates, representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), other political parties and independent groups, are contesting the 13 seats.

Authorities expect particularly close contests in LA-3 Mirpur, LA-6 Bhimber and LA-10 Kotli, where candidates from the PPP, PML-N and IPP are expected to compete fiercely.

Officials said special security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order on polling day and ensure that voters can exercise their right to vote in a peaceful environment.

The Election Commission has urged citizens to participate responsibly in the electoral process and help maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout polling day.