Summary Election Commission said all preparations for the first phase of polling had been completed
MUZAFFARABAD (Dunya News) - Polling for the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections begins on Monday (today) across Mirpur Division, with the government deploying more than 17,000 security personnel and 22,000 election officials in what authorities describe as the largest coordinated effort to ensure peaceful, free and transparent voting.
At a joint press conference in Muzaffarabad on Sunday, AJK Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan and Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan said all resources had been fully mobilised and utilised to ensure that polling proceeded smoothly and without disruption.
The first phase of the three-stage election covers all constituencies in Mirpur Division, while polling in Muzaffarabad Division and the refugee constituencies will be held next week, on August 2, followed by Rawalakot Division under the revised election schedule.
Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said all government departments, district administrations, law enforcement agencies and the Election Commission had completed their responsibilities well before polling day.
"Polling material has been delivered to returning officers and polling stations, while election arrangements are being monitored round the clock to ensure that voters encounter no difficulty in exercising their democratic right," he said.
Describing law and order as the government's foremost priority, Khushhal Khan said nearly 17,000 security personnel, including the AJK Police, police contingents from all four provinces, Rangers and the Federal Constabulary, would guard polling stations and sensitive areas throughout the electoral process.
He warned that authorities would take strict legal action against anyone attempting to disrupt polling, intimidate voters or interfere with the electoral process.
"The government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine peaceful elections. The law will be enforced without discrimination," he added.
Khushhal Khan also warned against misinformation circulating on social media, saying relevant institutions were actively monitoring fake news, manipulated videos and misleading propaganda designed to create confusion before polling.
He urged citizens to rely only on verified information issued by the Election Commission and government authorities, warning that those spreading false or inflammatory content would face legal consequences.
Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan said all preparations for the first phase of polling had been completed to the Commission's satisfaction.
