Massive Candidate Turnout for AJK Legislative Assembly Elections
At least 1265 candidates have submitted their nomination papers across all 45 constituencies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including 12 reserved for Kashmiri refugees, for the upcoming general elections scheduled for 27 July 2026. The elections will determine the composition of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
According to the AJK Election Commission, 1047 candidates filed papers for 33 constituencies within AJK territory, while 218 candidates submitted nominations for the 12 Kashmiri refugee seats. The scrutiny process for all 45 constituencies has been completed.
Scrutiny Results and Rejections
The Election Commission rejected 41 nomination papers on legal grounds. Candidates whose papers were rejected have the opportunity to appeal. The appeal submission window runs from 25 June to 28 June 2026. So far, 12 appeals have been submitted, with one more day remaining for filing.
Hearings for the appeals are scheduled for 29 June and 30 June 2026. The commission will complete the hearing process from 1 July to 2 July 2026, with final decisions to be issued on 2 July 2026.
Background and Significance
The inclusion of 12 refugee constituencies highlights the ongoing political representation for Kashmiri refugees displaced from the Indian-administered part of Kashmir. The elections are a key event in AJK's political calendar, drawing significant candidate interest.
The AJK Election Commission has urged all candidates to adhere to legal procedures and timelines. The final list of contesting candidates will be published after the appeal process concludes.
