MUZAFFARABAD: The preparations for the upcoming 2026 general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are gaining significant momentum, with election officials reporting an unprecedented surge in nomination submissions compared to the 2021 elections. This surge indicates heightened public engagement and increased political activity across the region, according to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal announced that polling stations with more than 500 registered voters will feature dual voting booths to streamline the voting process and reduce wait times. Meanwhile, Election Commission Secretary Raja Shakeel Khan confirmed that nomination papers are still being submitted across all constituencies, including refugee seats and the Rawalakot division, with the deadline extending until June 23.
So far, a total of 518 nominations have been received from various parts of Azad Kashmir, covering districts such as Mirpur, Poonch, and Rawalakot. Additionally, 114 nominations have been filed for the reserved refugee seats, and 130 candidates have registered from the seven constituencies in the Poonch division.
Officials highlighted that the record-breaking number of candidates indicates a high level of faith among Kashmiris in their democratic institutions and electoral process, reflecting an optimistic outlook for the region’s political future.
