Voters began casting their ballots on Monday in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections across 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division, with polling set to continue until 5pm.

A total of 1,400,437 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the three districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber, where authorities have put extensive security measures in place to ensure peaceful polling.

According to election officials, 2,316 polling stations have been established across the division, including 1,241 classified as highly sensitive and 724 as sensitive.

A total of 288 candidates, representing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), 25 other political parties and independent candidates, are contesting the first phase of the elections.

Of the total candidates, 98 are contesting the four constituencies in Mirpur district, 63 are in the race for three seats in Bhimber district, while 135 candidates are vying for six constituencies in Kotli district.

More than 19,000 security personnel, including members of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Rangers, Azad Kashmir Police and Frontier Constabulary, have been deployed to maintain law and order during the polling process.

Meanwhile, AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said polling began on time across Mirpur Division and was continuing in a peaceful environment.

Speaking to the media, he urged voters to exercise their democratic right and play an active role in electing their representatives.

“Come out and cast your vote. Your vote plays a vital role in the formation of the government,” he said, urging citizens to choose their representatives freely and not compromise on their vote.

The chief election commissioner also appealed to the public to ignore rumours and misinformation, assuring that effective security arrangements had been made at polling stations across the division.

He described voting as both a constitutional and civic responsibility and encouraged voters to cast their ballots before polling concludes at 5pm.

Meanwhile, AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal has warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process.

Two presiding officers arrested

Meanwhile, the AJK Election Commission suspended and arrested two presiding officers in Kotli for allegedly violating the election code of conduct.

According to an Election Commission spokesperson, the officers went to a private residence instead of reporting to their assigned polling stations.

Returning officers immediately took custody of the polling bags found in their possession.

The Election Commission said legal proceedings had been initiated against the suspended officers under election laws, while new presiding officers were appointed and dispatched to the concerned polling stations.

The commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that polling remains transparent, impartial and uninterrupted, adding that no irregularities in the electoral process would be tolerated.