The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission issued the final list of candidates for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections on Sunday, with 852 candidates set to contest 45 constituencies. This follows the withdrawal of more than 320 aspirants from the race. The commission also allotted election symbols to 24 registered political parties, while symbols for independent candidates will be issued shortly.
Breakdown by Constituency
According to the final list, Kotli has the largest number of candidates, with 135 contenders vying for six constituencies. It is followed by Muzaffarabad, where 126 candidates will contest five seats. Similarly, 126 candidates are in the field across seven constituencies in Poonch and Sudhanoti.
The election commission said 98 candidates will contest the four constituencies of Mirpur, 83 are in the race for four seats in Bagh and Haveli, and 63 candidates will contest three constituencies in Bhimber. It further said that 51 candidates are contesting the two constituencies of Neelum, while 34 candidates are in the field from Jhelum Valley.
Refugee Constituencies
A total of 126 candidates will contest the 12 refugee constituencies, according to the election commission.
Symbol Allocation
The commission added that election symbols have been allotted to 24 registered political parties, while symbols for independent candidates will be issued in due course.
