The elections for the so-called legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which were originally scheduled for July 27, will now be held in three phases ending on August 10, authorities announced on Tuesday.
India has maintained that Pakistan has been in illegal possession of the Indian Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Himalayan region news
Addressing a press conference, PoK’s Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said that polling in 13 constituencies of Mirpur division will be held on July 27; nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad division and all 12 refugee constituencies on August 2; and 11 constituencies of Poonch division on August 10.
There are 53 seats in the so-called legislative assembly of PoK – 45 are directly elected, while eight seats are reserved for women, technocrats and clerics.
Mughal said the changes in the election schedule were made keeping in view the ongoing situation in the region, where the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has been protesting against the 12 seats for refugees in the legislative council.
A large number of security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.Mughal said that army troops would be deployed during elections.
Last month, India lodged a strong protest with Pakistan regarding the elections to the so-called “Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly”.
India reiterated its well-known position that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including the so-called “Gilgit-Baltistan”, are integral and inalienable parts of India.
