MUZAFFARABAD: The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has postponed polling in constituency LA‑27 Muzaffarabad‑1 after heavy rain and landslides blocked several roads, preventing election staff and polling materials from reaching their destinations on time.
According to officials, despite efforts by the district administration, the closed roads could not be restored, forcing the Commission to halt the process. The new date of polling will be announced at 2 pm today.
The Election Commission appealed to voters for cooperation, assuring that polling is continuing as scheduled in all other constituencies.
Earlier in the day, Sardar Abdul Shakoor, in‑charge of the PPP Election Cell, had raised concerns that polling staff had not arrived at stations for PPP candidate Sardar Javed Ayub in LA‑27, leaving voters deprived of their right to vote. He demanded immediate deployment of staff and timely commencement of polling. The Commission’s announcement of postponement now confirms that the process will resume on a later date.
This disruption comes during the second phase of AJK elections, covering 9 seats in Muzaffarabad division and 12 refugee seats across Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.
It follows a turbulent first phase in Mirpur division, marred by clashes in Nakyal, riots in Samahni, and violence in Rawlakot, incidents that mainstream media has largely remained silent on.
Observers note that while the real contest between PML‑N and PPP continues to dominate the narrative, administrative lapses and natural disruptions like landslides are further complicating the electoral process, raising questions about preparedness and transparency.
