Voter turnout of over 80 percent is encouraging and reflects confidence in the electoral system
A photo showing the AJK Election Commission logo — AJK ELECTION COMMISSION WEBSITE
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) took a major step towards its July 27 Legislative Assembly elections, as advance voting for government employees on election duty concluded peacefully in eight districts on Monday, with an overwhelming voter turnout and election authorities declaring themselves fully prepared to conduct what they promised would be free, fair and transparent elections.
The special poll, 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 for security reasons. Despite the exceptions, officials described the process as smooth, orderly and uneventful, with turnout exceeding 80 percent in almost all precincts where voting took place.
The peaceful completion of the exercise comes at a politically charged time, as election campaigns enter their final week and authorities race to complete logistical and security preparations for one of the region’s most closely watched elections.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the successful conduct of the advance polls reflected the Election Commission’s keenness 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 on time under all circumstances, and no attempt to disrupt the democratic process will be allowed to succeed,” Mughal said after reviewing the poll modalities.
He said extensive security measures were implemented to protect polling staff, election materials and voters, adding 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 civil servants is extremely encouraging. It reflects confidence in the electoral system and demonstrates the commitment of civil servants to strengthening democratic institutions,” he said.
Mughal expressed satisfaction over the coordination between the Election Commission, district administrations and law enforcement agencies, saying the same arrangements would be replicated on polling day to ensure peaceful election exercise across the country.
Khawaja Ahsan, senior member of the Electoral Commission, said the advance voting had boosted public confidence in the electoral process and confirmed that all preparations for the July 27 poll had entered their final stages.
“The Electoral Commission is fully prepared to conduct free, fair and transparent elections. Election materials have already been sent to returning officers, while close coordination with district administrations and security agencies continues to ensure peaceful polling,” he said.
Syed Nazir Ul Hasan Gillani, member of the Election Commission, said polling remained orderly throughout the day with polling staff discharging their responsibilities efficiently and voters expressing satisfaction with the arrangements made.
“We remained in constant touch with returning officers across AJK and the polling was peaceful wherever voting took place. No complaints regarding the voting process were received from any district,” he said.
Gillani said the ballot boxes used during advance voting were sealed following the prescribed legal procedure and handed over to the respective returning officers under strict security. Official ballots will remain sealed until July 27 and will be counted with votes cast on Election Day.
He added that ballot papers had already reached all returning officers, while comprehensive security plans for polling stations had been finalized in consultation with law enforcement.
Election officials said that with the exception of Muzaffarabad, every district where polling took place recorded voter turnout of more than 80 percent, although voters themselves were engaged in electoral tasks, which development officials described as an encouraging sign for overall voter participation in the general elections.
With just a week remaining before voters elect members of the 45-seat AJK Legislative Assembly, the successful early voting provided the Election Commission with a crucial operational rehearsal, while boosting official confidence that the territory is on track for peaceful, orderly and credible elections on July 27.
