MIRPUR (AJK): The spokesperson for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission has clarified reports and comments circulating on social media regarding the announcement of the election schedule, stating that the schedule was issued strictly in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements.
According to the spokesperson, Article 22(4) of the Interim Constitution of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 1974, requires that general elections to the Legislative Assembly be held within 60 days before the expiry of the Assembly’s constitutional term, while election results must be announced at least 14 days before the term expires. The first session of the current assembly was held on August 3, 2021, making it the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission to take timely and effective measures for conducting elections.
The spokesperson further explained that the Elections Act, 2020, prescribes specific timelines for various stages of the electoral process. Under Section 23(3), the final list of polling stations must be published in the official gazette at least 15 days before polling day. Additional time is also required for the submission and scrutiny of nomination papers, hearing of appeals, allocation of election symbols, printing of ballot papers, and completion of other legal and administrative procedures.
Keeping these constitutional and legal obligations in view, the election schedule was prepared accordingly, the spokesperson said.
The Election Commission noted that the constitutional term of the Assembly, the expected timeframe for elections, and the likely issuance of the election schedule were already known to political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders. Therefore, the announcement of the election schedule should not have come as a surprise to any party, as it was a foreseeable step mandated by law.
The spokesperson revealed that the Election Commission was fully prepared to issue the election schedule on May 18, 2026. However, certain stakeholders advised postponing the announcement until May 24 due to prevailing circumstances. Respecting these views, the commission decided not to issue the schedule on either date and continued to monitor the situation. No public announcement regarding this decision was made during that period.
Subsequently, in compliance with constitutional and legal requirements, the election schedule was formally issued on June 5, 2026.
Rejecting allegations that the schedule was announced with any specific motive or ill intent, the spokesperson stated that such claims were contrary to facts. The issuance of the election schedule, he emphasised, was neither influenced by political considerations nor any other external factors, but was solely aimed at fulfilling constitutional and legal responsibilities and ensuring the timely conduct of elections. The Election Commission also urged the public to avoid linking the decisions of constitutional institutions with baseless speculation, assumptions, or unrelated developments.
Reaffirming its commitment, the AJK Election Commission stated that it would continue to discharge its constitutional and legal responsibilities with complete honesty, transparency, impartiality, and professionalism to ensure the conduct of free, fair, transparent, and impartial elections.
