AJK election postponed in LA-27 after heavy rain and landslides block polling
Polling cancelled in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1
The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir confirmed that polling was scheduled on Sunday for 12 Kashmiri refugee seats in Pakistan and nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad Division.
However, the AJK election postponed decision only applies to LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1.
Officials said polling in all other constituencies continued according to schedule.
Heavy rain and landslides disrupted preparations
According to the Election Commission, continuous heavy rainfall since Saturday night triggered landslides in the upper mountainous areas of LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1.
Several roads were blocked after landslides and fallen trees cut off access to the constituency.
As a result, polling staff and election materials could not reach polling stations on time.
Authorities said the AJK election postponed decision became unavoidable because the election process could not begin safely.
Read Also: Polling underway in 21 AJK election constituencies
Rescue efforts continued overnight
The district administration and other government departments worked late into the night to reopen the affected roads.
Heavy machinery was used to remove debris and clear blocked routes.
Despite these efforts, officials said road access could not be fully restored before polling started.
The Election Commission explained that holding voting without election staff and polling materials would not have been possible.
New polling date to be announced
Following the weather emergency, the Election Commission officially declared the AJK election postponed for LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1.
Officials confirmed that a fresh polling schedule will be announced later today.
The commission said the revised election date is expected to be released at 2 pm after reviewing the latest weather and road conditions.
Safety remains the top priority
Election authorities said protecting voters, polling staff and election officials remains the highest priority.
Officials added that polling will only take place after roads become safe and all election arrangements are completed.
Read Also: Mushtaq Ahmad freed after alleged detention near AJK border
Voters in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1 have been asked to follow official announcements instead of relying on social media rumours.
The Election Commission also assured residents that every eligible voter will receive the opportunity to cast their vote once the new polling date is announced.
