Polling for the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections began Monday in the Bagh and Haveli districts [1].
This phase represents a critical juncture in the 2026 electoral cycle, as it determines the representation for key constituencies in the Poonch Division and tests the viability of several high-ranking political figures.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission is overseeing voting in four constituencies [1]. More than 460,000 voters are eligible to participate in this stage of the process [2]. Security remains a primary concern for officials, with 10,300 troops deployed to maintain order at polling stations [5].
The electoral contest features a high-stakes lineup of candidates. The incumbent prime minister and two former premiers are among those facing the polls in these districts [3]. Reports on the total number of candidates vary, with estimates ranging between 72 [1] and 82 [2].
While voting is proceeding in Bagh and Haveli, the regional plan has seen recent adjustments. Voting in the Poonch and Sudhanoti districts has been deferred [4]. This revision shifts the focus of the current phase exclusively to the four constituencies in the remaining districts of the division [1].
Election officials said the process is underway to ensure the democratic selection of members for the Legislative Assembly [2]. The deployment of security forces is intended to prevent disruptions as voters line up across the two districts [5].
“Over 460,000 voters are eligible to cast ballots in four constituencies.”
The deferment of voting in Poonch and Sudhanoti suggests logistical or security challenges that forced the Election Commission to revise its timeline. By concentrating the third phase in Bagh and Haveli, the commission is isolating specific electoral risks while allowing high-profile leaders to face a focused test of their local support. The heavy security presence underscores the volatile nature of regional politics during transition periods.
