Mirpur Votes First: A Historic Beginning to Azad Kashmir’s Three-Phase Elections

High-security polling opens a decisive electoral battle as political parties compete for the future of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Analysis by Irfan Tariq
Editor, World Digital Times

Democracy is measured not only by the act of voting but by the confidence people place in the electoral process. The 2026 General Elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) mark a significant political milestone, as, for the first time in the region’s history, the elections are being conducted in three separate phases. The opening phase begins today in Mirpur Division, making it the focal point of one of the most closely watched political contests in Pakistan.

Comprising the districts of Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli, Mirpur Division has long been regarded as the political and economic gateway of Azad Kashmir. The region has historically played a decisive role in shaping governments, while its large overseas Kashmiri community—particularly in the United Kingdom—adds further political and economic significance to every election.

Today’s polling covers 13 Legislative Assembly constituencies, where more than 1.4 million registered voters are eligible to elect their representatives from among 296 candidates contesting on party tickets and as independents.

This year’s political landscape is notably different from previous elections. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a boycott of the electoral process. However, several candidates previously associated with the party are contesting as independent candidates. Meanwhile, the main electoral contest includes the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party, alongside numerous independent candidates.

Political observers believe the competition extends beyond party affiliations. Local political influence, tribal and family dynamics, constituency-level issues and individual candidate credibility are expected to play a decisive role in many constituencies. Several seats across Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli are expected to witness closely fought multi-cornered contests, making the outcome difficult to predict.

With an estimated population of around 4.5 million, Azad Kashmir occupies a strategically sensitive position along the Line of Control (LoC). Because of its geopolitical importance, authorities have placed the first phase of polling under high-alert security. Police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed at sensitive polling stations, while rapid response units remain on standby to ensure peaceful, transparent and orderly voting throughout the division.

Beyond electing legislators, today’s vote is expected to set the political tone for the remaining phases of the election. The performance of major parties in Mirpur Division could significantly influence campaign momentum, voter perceptions and coalition calculations in the subsequent rounds of polling.

Conclusion

The first phase of polling in Mirpur is more than a routine electoral exercise; it is an important test of democratic institutions in Azad Kashmir. As millions of voters head to polling stations under tight security, the ballots cast today will not only determine the winners of the first phase but may also shape the broader political direction of the region for the next five years. The credibility, transparency and peaceful conduct of this electoral process will ultimately strengthen public confidence in democratic governance and lay the foundation for the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.