Record 1,265 nomination papers filed for AJK elections, participation surges

The upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections have seen a significant surge in participation, with a record 1,265 nomination papers submitted by the close of nominations. Election authorities reported a more than 30% increase compared to the 2021 polls, indicating a growing interest in the electoral process.

The deadline for filing nomination papers, initially set for June 19, was extended to June 23 to accommodate the prevailing situation in the territory. According to AJK Election Commission Secretary Raja Shakeel Khan, 1,047 nomination papers were filed for the 33 territorial constituencies, while an additional 218 were submitted for the 12 refugee constituencies located across Pakistan.

Breakdowns reveal substantial filings across different divisions. Mirpur division saw 409 papers for its 13 seats, Muzaffarabad division received 344 for nine constituencies, and Poonch division had 294 for 11 seats. Among refugee constituencies, Jammu seats attracted 121 papers, and those allocated for the Kashmir Valley received 97.

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A total of 1,265 nomination papers were submitted in all 45 constituencies of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly by the close of nominations, marking an increase of more than 30 per cent compared to the 2021 polls, according to election authorities.

The constituency of LA-29, Muzaffarabad-III, recorded the highest number of nominations with 59, while LA-12, Kotli-V, had the lowest at 12. In refugee constituencies, LA-36, Jammu-III, led with 29 papers, and LA-42 and LA-45 in the Valley had the fewest with nine each.

Observers view the increased submissions as a positive sign for democratic engagement. Notably, the Poonch division, which has been the center of ongoing protests, saw 12 more nominations than in the previous elections. The final list of candidates will be released after the withdrawal process concludes on July 3.

In related news, Khawaja Muhammad Ahsan was sworn in as a senior member of the AJK Election Commission. Appointed for a five-year term, Ahsan, a former secretary to the AJK government, took the oath administered by Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal. His appointment, made on the recommendation of the CEC, follows the 2018 amendment that expanded the Election Commission by adding two members.

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1,047 nomination papers had been filed in the 33 territorial constituencies and 218 in the 12 refugee constituencies located in Pakistan.