MUZAFFARABAD — The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has officially dismissed rumors of a delay, confirming that polling in the Poonch division will proceed as originally scheduled.
Election officials issued a notification late Tuesday, directing district returning officers to finalize all logistical arrangements. The move aims to quell mounting anxiety among candidates and voters, who had been speculating about a potential postponement due to recent logistical hurdles and regional security concerns.
For the candidates on the ground, the decision ends a week of uncertainty. Campaigning has been frantic, with political parties scrambling to secure final endorsements in a region where local dynamics often shift with the weather.
“We are moving forward. There is no change,” a senior commission official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity. He confirmed that ballot papers and polling staff have already been dispatched to the more remote areas of the division to ensure no delays on election day.
While the schedule remains fixed, the security situation remains a focal point. Local authorities have coordinated with law enforcement to deploy additional personnel at sensitive polling stations across the Poonch division. Recent intelligence reports suggested potential friction in specific constituencies, prompting the commission to designate several locations as ‘highly sensitive.’
The opposition, however, remains skeptical. Some party leaders have questioned whether the commission can guarantee fair conditions within this timeframe, pointing to lingering disputes over voter list inaccuracies. Despite these grievances, the commission’s refusal to adjust the calendar leaves little room for maneuver.
By keeping the date, the commission is betting that a swift process will prevent further instability. Voters in the Poonch division now have a clear path to the ballot box, with the focus shifting entirely to the final hours of the campaign.
