Voter turnout of more than 80 percent is encouraging and reflects confidence in the electoral system
An image showing the logo of the AJK Election Commission: AJK ELECTION COMMISSION WEBSITE
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) took a significant step towards the July 27 Legislative Assembly elections when early polls for government employees on election duty concluded peacefully on Monday in eight districts, with overwhelming voter turnout and election authorities declaring themselves fully prepared to conduct what they promised would be free, fair and transparent elections.
The special election exercise, seen as the Election Commission’s first major test before polling day, was held in all districts except Rawalakot and Sudhnoti, where voting was postponed due to security concerns. Despite the exceptions, officials described the process as smooth, orderly and uneventful, with voter turnout above 80 percent in almost all districts where elections were held.
The peaceful completion of the exercise comes at a politically charged time, with election campaigns entering their final week and authorities rushing to complete logistical and security preparations for one of the most closely watched elections in the region.
Chief Election Commissioner (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the successful conduct of early polls reflected the Election Commission’s readiness to oversee peaceful, transparent and credible elections in all constituencies on July 27.
“There is no question of delaying the elections. The elections will be held as scheduled under all circumstances and no attempt to disrupt the democratic process can succeed,” Mughal said after reviewing the electoral arrangements.
He said extensive security measures had been put in place to safeguard election personnel, election materials and voters, adding that government employees exercised their right to vote in a peaceful environment without any major untoward incident.
“The participation of more than 80 percent among government employees is extremely encouraging. It reflects confidence in the electoral system and demonstrates the commitment of public servants to strengthening democratic institutions,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction over the coordination between the Election Commission, district administrations and law enforcement agencies, Mughal said the same arrangements would be replicated on polling day to ensure peaceful electoral exercise across the territory.
Khawaja Ahsan, senior member of the Election Commission, said the early elections had strengthened public confidence in the electoral process and confirmed that all preparations for the July 27 elections had entered their final stage.
“The Election Commission is fully prepared to conduct free, fair and transparent elections. The election materials have already been sent to the returning officers, while close coordination with district administrations and security agencies continues to ensure peaceful elections,” he said.
Election Commission member Syed Nazir Ul Hasan Gillani said polling remained orderly throughout the day, polling staff efficiently discharged their responsibilities and voters expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.
“We remained in constant touch with returning officers across AJK, and the elections proceeded peacefully at all polling locations. No complaints have been received about the voting process from any district,” he said.
Gillani said the ballot boxes used during early voting had been sealed as per the prescribed legal procedure and handed over to the respective returning officers under tight security. Votes cast by government employees will remain sealed until July 27 and will be counted along with votes cast on Election Day.
He added that ballots had already reached all tellers, while comprehensive security plans for polling stations had been finalized in consultation with law enforcement.
Election officials said that apart from Muzaffarabad, all districts where polls were conducted recorded voter turnout of more than 80 per cent even though voters themselves were involved in electoral duties, which development officials described as an encouraging sign for overall voter participation in the general elections.
With just a week left before voters elect members of the 45-seat AJK Legislative Assembly, the successful completion of early polls has provided the Electoral Commission with a crucial operational rehearsal, while bolstering official confidence that the territory is on track to hold peaceful, orderly and credible elections on July 27.
