Muzaffarabad (Web Desk): Polling has concluded in the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections in four constituencies of Bagh and Haveli districts of the Poonch Division.
Polling began at 8am and continued until 5pm.
According the AJK Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), an estimated 460,000 voters were eligible to cast their ballots across the four constituencies.
He added that comprehensive security measures had been finalised in all four constituencies to ensure voters could exercise their right in a secure and orderly environment.
Meanwhile, polling for five constituencies in Poonch district and two seats in Sudhnoti district has been deferred.
The AJK CEC had earlier indicated that the election date for Rawalakot could be announced within a few days after the ongoing sit-in issue is settled.
In the first phase of the AJK elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured nine out of 13 seats in the Mirpur Division, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) captured the remaining four.
The second phase covered elections for nine seats in the Muzaffarabad Division as well as 12 seats reserved for refugees. The PML-N once again led the contest, winning 15 seats, while the PPP obtained six.
With the first two phases now completed, the PML-N has strengthened its position as the region’s largest political party, holding 24 seats compared with the PPP’s 10.