MUZAFFRABAD: The nine-hour polling process, which remained smooth and peaceful, ended on Thursday at 5pm as per the schedule announced by the Election Commission of Azad Jammu Kashmir.
However, the voters present in the premises of some polling stations at the closing time were allowed to cast their votes. The counting of votes began after a short break. The commission had made elaborate administrative and security measures to conduct the polls in a smooth and peaceful manner.
As many 23,394 polling staff including 4,462 presiding officers, 6,310 polling officers and 12,622 polling assistants performed duties at 5,429 polling stations in all 41 constituencies of the Legislative Assembly. About 328 candidates contested in 29 constituencies of 10 districts, while 99 in 12 constituencies of Kashmiri refugees, settled in different cities of Pakistan.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal is scheduled to announce the initial results of the general elections from the commission’s central control room. The overall polling was fair and peaceful except a few minor unpleasant incidents at some polling stations in different constituencies.
In Mirpur, Justice Mughal told media persons that those involved in the unpleasant incidents were booked on the spot and punitive action has been initiated against the perpetrators. Despite a heavy turnout, he pointed out that the polling remained very peaceful. He said that the commission made adequate arrangements so the voters could exercise their right of franchise in a free, fair and peaceful environment.
