ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) heads into the first phase of its 2026 general elections on Monday (today), with voting taking place amid political turmoil, allegations of curbs on democratic activity and growing doubts over the credibility of the process.
Polling will begin in the Mirpur division, followed by voting in Muzaffarabad on August 2 and Poonch on August 10. The Election Commission of AJK has introduced a three-phase schedule for the first time, citing administrative and security considerations.
A spokesman for the AJK Election Commission defended the arrangement, and told Business Recorder that the commission was committed to holding “free, fair and peaceful” elections.
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He acknowledged, however, that ensuring transparent and impartial polling remained a major responsibility and challenge for the authorities.
The assurances have done little to silence criticism. Political parties, civil society groups and residents have questioned the electoral environment, pointing to restrictions on internet access, limited campaign activity and unrest across parts of the region.
The elections come in the aftermath of violent clashes between security forces and supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a movement demanding governance reforms and recently proscribed by the AJK government.
The June unrest left several people dead and injured, including law enforcement personnel, further deepening tensions ahead of polling.
Although banned by the authorities, JAAC remains a significant force in the political debate. One of its key demands is the abolition of 12 reserved seats for Kashmiri refugees who migrated after the conflicts of 1947 and 1965 and are now settled in Pakistan.
The political uncertainty has been compounded by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) decision to boycott the elections. The party, which won the 2021 polls, has accused the authorities of bias and a lack of transparency and has backed the JAAC’s position.
The contest will feature the PPP, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, Muslim Conference and other parties. In total, 22 political parties are participating.
The 2021 election produced a PTI-led government, but the AJK Legislative Assembly has witnessed repeated political upheaval since then. Four prime ministers have held office during the past five years, reflecting the instability that has characterised the region’s politics.
A total of 1,265 candidates are contesting 45 constituencies. Of these, 1,047 candidates are competing for 33 territorial seats, while 218 have filed nominations for the 12 refugee constituencies.
The Election Commission has established 6,983 polling stations and 10,913 polling booths. Around 3.8 million voters are registered, including 3.36 million residents of AJK and voters living elsewhere in Pakistan.
The refugee seats remain one of the most divisive issues in the election. Six are allocated to refugees from Jammu and six to those from the Kashmir Valley, with critics arguing that the system distorts local representation.
Despite repeated assurances from election officials, concerns remain over whether the results will command public confidence.
Residents and political observers say the campaign has lacked the energy normally associated with elections. “We have seen previous campaigns in Muzaffarabad and other parts of the region. This time the campaign lacks excitement, inclusivity and thrill,” said resident Zaheer Abbasi.
Political observer Ali Hussain said the phased elections and security measures introduced after the recent unrest had affected the political atmosphere, raising questions over voter participation.
As polling begins, the election will test not only the region’s political balance but also whether its institutions can convince a sceptical public that the democratic process remains credible.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026