MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) moved a step closer to its July 27 Legislative Assembly elections as advance polling for government employees on election duty concluded peacefully in eight districts on Monday.
The advance polling exercise, regarded as the Election Commission’s first major operational test ahead of polling day, was conducted in all districts except Rawalakot and Sudhnoti, where voting was postponed due to security concerns.
Despite the postponement in the two districts, election authorities described the polling process as smooth, orderly and incident-free, with voter turnout exceeding 80 percent in almost every district where voting was held.
The successful completion of advance polling comes at a crucial stage of the election campaign, with political parties entering the final week of canvassing and authorities accelerating logistical and security preparations for one of the most closely watched elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The polling process for government employees assigned election duties during the general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was successfully completed today.#News #RadioPakistan https://t.co/bmrllOwGHd
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) July 20, 2026
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the peaceful conduct of advance polling reflected the Election Commission’s preparedness to oversee peaceful, transparent and credible elections across all constituencies on July 27.
No question of delay in elections
“There is no question of delaying the elections. The polls will be held on schedule under all circumstances, and no attempt to disrupt the democratic process will be allowed to succeed,” Mughal said while reviewing polling arrangements.
He said comprehensive security measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of polling personnel, election materials and voters. He added that government employees exercised their right to vote in a peaceful environment without any major untoward incident.
“The turnout of more than 80 percent among government employees is highly encouraging. It reflects confidence in the electoral system and demonstrates the commitment of public servants to strengthening democratic institutions,” he said.
Mughal also expressed satisfaction over the close coordination between the Election Commission, district administrations and law enforcement agencies, saying the same arrangements would remain in place on polling day to ensure peaceful and orderly elections across the territory.
Senior Election Commission Member Khawaja Ahsan said the successful advance polling had further strengthened public confidence in the electoral process and confirmed that all preparations for the July 27 elections had entered their final stage.
Election Commission prepared to conduct free, fair polls
“The Election Commission is fully prepared to conduct free, fair and transparent elections. Election material has already been dispatched to the returning officers, while close coordination with district administrations and security agencies continues to ensure peaceful polling,” he said.
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Election Commission Member Syed Nazir Ul Hasan Gillani said polling remained orderly throughout the day, with election staff efficiently carrying out their responsibilities and voters expressing satisfaction over the arrangements.
“We remained in constant contact with returning officers across AJK, and polling proceeded peacefully wherever voting was held. No complaints regarding the polling process have been received from any district,” he said.
Gillani said ballot boxes used during the advance polling had been sealed in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure and handed over to the respective returning officers under strict security arrangements. He said the ballots cast by government employees would remain sealed until July 27 and would be counted together with votes cast on election day.
He added that ballot papers had already been delivered to all returning officers, while comprehensive security plans for polling stations had been finalized in consultation with law enforcement agencies.
Election officials said that, apart from Muzaffarabad, every district where polling was conducted recorded voter participation of more than 80 percent, despite the fact that the voters themselves were engaged in election duties. Officials described the turnout as an encouraging sign for overall voter participation in the general elections.
With only a week remaining before voters elect members to the 45-seat Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the successful completion of advance polling has provided the Election Commission with a crucial operational rehearsal while reinforcing official confidence that the territory is on course for peaceful, orderly and credible elections on July 27.
