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The schedule for the general elections of the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly has been announced, with polling set to take place on July 27.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal announced the election schedule during a press conference along with members of the Election Commission.
According to the election schedule, voting will be held in a total of 45 constituencies. These include 33 constituencies of Azad Kashmir and 12 constituencies reserved for refugees residing in Pakistan.
The chief election commissioner said voters should freely exercise their right to vote.
Nomination papers to be submitted from June 9
Candidates will be able to submit nomination papers from June 9 to June 19. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be carried out on June 20.
The list of candidates will also be released on June 20 after scrutiny.
The Election Commission will hear objections and appeals against nomination papers on June 26 and June 27. Decisions on the appeals will be announced on June 28 and June 29.
Candidates who wish to withdraw from the election will be able to withdraw their nomination papers on June 29.
The final list of candidates will be issued on July 1. Election symbols will be allotted on July 2, while polling will be held across all constituencies on July 27.
Army, Rangers to be called for security
Justice (retd) Mughal said the Pakistan Army and Rangers will also be called in for security arrangements during the Azad Kashmir elections.
He said the decision is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and secure voting process.
