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Filing of nomination papers gain momentum

A woman casts her vote at a polling station on October 16, 2022. — PPI
A woman casts her vote at a polling station on October 16, 2022. — PPI

MIRPUR, AJK: The process of filing nomination papers for the 2026 general elections of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly is gaining momentum, while political activities across the region are witnessing a significant surge.

According to the AJK Election Commission, prospective candidates are actively submitting their nomination papers along with details of their assets as required under the election rules.An Election Commission spokesperson stated that 146 candidates from the constituencies reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan have so far submitted their nomination papers. Similarly, 264 candidates have filed nominations from Mirpur Division, 152 from Poonch Division, and 193 from Muzaffarabad Division.

Official figures indicate that more than 755 candidates have entered the electoral race across the 45 constituencies of AJK, reflecting unprecedented interest in the electoral process and raising expectations of highly competitive contests.

The Election Commission has announced June 23 as the deadline for submission of nomination papers. Following the completion of the filing process, scrutiny of documents, appeals, and other phases of the election schedule will be carried out in accordance with the prescribed timeline.

Meanwhile, political activity throughout Azad Kashmir has reached a new peak. Major political parties have accelerated the selection of candidates, electoral planning, and public outreach campaigns. Consultative meetings are being held at party offices, while party workers and supporters have intensified their mobilization efforts.