AJK polls: PTI, PML-N, PPP competing for almost every seat
A total of 587 candidates are contesting the elections.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Three major political parties of the country have nominated candidates for almost all 45 constituencies of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (AJKLA) for today’s general elections.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has fielded its candidates for all 45 seats while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidates are contesting elections on 44.
However, another major players in polls is Muslim Conference which awarded tickets on 41 constituencies to its candidates which include former prime ministers and their relatives.
TLP, which was banned in April this year for its violent activities, has fielded candidates on 40 seats while Jamat-e-Islami has put up 31 candidates; the Jammu Kashmir People’s Party has 17 cardholders; Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) 11 nominees and the Pakistan People’s Party (Shaheed Bhutto) 10 aspirants.
The main contest is likely to take place among the cardholders of the major political parties. However, independents, given their influence in certain areas, are also likely to make it to the AJKLA.
In most constituencies, more than a dozen contenders are trying their luck, which will also reduce the margin of victory or defeat.
Meanwhile, polling for the 55 seats of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is underway under strict security arrangements.
A total of 32,50,117 registered voters including 146,8317 female in all 33 electoral constituencies in all ten districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes.
Moreover, all 12 constituencies meant for Pakistan-based Jammu & Kashmir refugees, would exercise their right of vote to elect the Azad Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly, for next five years constitutional term.
The registered voters shall have to produce original computerized national identity card at the polling station at the time of exercising the right to vote.
A total of 587 candidates are contesting the elections in 33 constituencies of Azad Kashmir districts and 121 candidates on 12 constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir refugees settled in Pakistan.
Over 40 thousand security personals including PAK Army, FC, Rangers and Police are performing duties to ensure peaceful polling.
