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Political fever has gripped Azad Jammu and Kashmir as a staggering 1,255 candidates officially entered the race for the 2026 General Elections, filing nomination papers for the 53-seat AJK Legislative Assembly by Tuesday’s deadline. The massive turnout signals a fiercely contested July 27 vote, with public enthusiasm surging across all 10 districts and the 12 Pakistan-based refugee constituencies
MIRPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jun, 2026) Political fever has gripped Azad Jammu and Kashmir as a staggering 1,255 candidates officially entered the race for the 2026 General Elections, filing nomination papers for the 53-seat AJK Legislative Assembly by Tuesday’s deadline. The massive turnout signals a fiercely contested July 27 vote, with public enthusiasm surging across all 10 districts and the 12 Pakistan-based refugee Constituencies.
According to AJK Election Commission data, Mirpur Division led the charge with 409 aspirants submitting papers, followed by Muzaffarabad Division with 344 and Poonch Division with 294. Additionally, 208 candidates filed for the 12 reserved seats for Jammu and Kashmir refugees settled across Pakistan. The submission window closed promptly at 5:00 PM on June 23, wrapping up the first major phase of the electoral process.
<?php /*?> <?php */?>Scrutiny of nomination papers began Wednesday, June 24, as returning officers moved to the next stage of vetting contenders for the 45 territorial and 12 refugee constituencies. Election Commission sources told APP that the overwhelming response reflects heightened political engagement throughout the state, setting the stage for one of AJK’s most competitive elections in years.
With candidates now locked in and scrutiny underway, observers expect a hard-fought campaign across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The sheer scale of participation underscores the high stakes of the July 27 polls, as parties and independents alike prepare to court voters in every corner of the region.
APP/ahr/378
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