With the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections set to begin today (Monday), Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal has called on voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right peacefully. He assured the public that the election commission has completed all preparations to ensure free, fair, transparent and impartial polling across Mirpur Division. Speaking to senior journalists, the chief election commissioner said the entire election machinery had been fully mobilised and that comprehensive administrative, logistical and security arrangements were in place for polling in the three districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber, where the first phase of the three-stage AJK elections will be held.
He said all polling stations had been equipped with the necessary election material, polling staff had completed their training, and close coordination had been established among the election commission, district administrations and security agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of polling. I urge all eligible voters to come out without fear or hesitation and cast their ballots. Public participation is the true strength of democracy, and every citizen should fulfil this constitutional responsibility peacefully," Mughal said.
The chief election commissioner emphasised that the election commission would not compromise on the transparency, credibility or neutrality of the electoral process under any circumstances. "We are determined to hold elections that are free, fair and transparent. Any attempt to influence the polling process, violate election laws, intimidate voters or disrupt peace will be dealt with firmly and strictly in accordance with the law," he warned.
He said elaborate security arrangements had been made at all polling stations across Mirpur Division, with the AJK Police, Rangers, the Federal Constabulary and other law enforcement agencies deployed to safeguard polling staff, voters and election material. According to Mughal, the security plan had been prepared following extensive consultations with the civil administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere throughout polling day. He disclosed that, weather permitting, he would personally visit Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber on Monday to inspect polling stations, rev…
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has completed all necessary preparations to ensure the free, fair, and transparent conduct of voting in the first phase of elections scheduled across Mirpur division on Monday (today). AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and AJK Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel told a joint news conference in Muzaffarabad said that the polling material has been dispatched to the polling stations. The chief secretary and the AJK-EC secretary urged people to exercise their right to vote for the resolution of their issues in a democratic way.
They warned of serious consequences in case of any attempt to disrupt the polling process or disturb the law and order situation. They also urged the public to reject misleading propaganda about the elections circulating on social media. The AJK polls are scheduled in three phases with Mirpur division on Monday, Muzaffarabad on August 2 and Poonch on August 10.
Summary from source