Polling for the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections began Monday in four constituencies [1].
This phase of the election serves as a critical test of political dominance in the region. The results will determine if the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) can maintain its lead against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other competing factions.
Voting is taking place across the Bagh and Haveli districts [2]. According to reports, more than 460,000 eligible voters are registered to cast their ballots in this phase [3]. The competition for the four available seats is crowded, with a total of 82 candidates contesting the race [4].
Several major political entities are vying for influence in these districts. These include the PML-N, the PPP, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), the Muslim Conference, and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (IPP), alongside various independent candidates [5].
The electoral process in Bagh and Haveli is expected to produce several closely fought battles as parties attempt to secure a majority in the assembly [6]. Officials are monitoring the polling stations to ensure the process remains orderly as the region determines its legislative representation.
While some reports indicated the phase was expected to produce tight races, other local reports confirmed that polling had already commenced across the designated constituencies on Monday [7].
“More than 460,000 eligible voters are registered to cast their ballots in this phase.”
The third phase of the AJK elections is a pivotal moment for regional stability and political alignment. Because the Bagh and Haveli districts are key battlegrounds, the outcome will likely signal which party holds the most significant mandate to form or support a government, reflecting broader political trends within Pakistan and its administered territories.
