Final Phase of AJK Elections on August 10 to Decide Government Formation
Islamabad: The decisive final phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general elections will be held on August 10, with polling in the Poonch Division expected to determine the composition of the next government. Following the first two phases of voting, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) currently holds a clear lead over the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
The third and final phase will cover 11 general seats in the Poonch Division, comprising the districts of Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, and Sudhanoti. Political observers believe the outcome in these constituencies will play a crucial role in deciding which party forms the next government in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
A total of 208 candidates are contesting the 11 seats, while more than 1.154 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots.
Polling will take place in constituencies across Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, and Sudhanoti. Of the 11 seats, four are located in Bagh and Haveli, while the remaining seven are in Poonch, Rawalakot, and Sudhanoti, where closely contested races are expected.
According to election details:
82 candidates are contesting the four constituencies in Bagh and Haveli.
126 candidates are competing in the seven constituencies of Poonch, Rawalakot, and Sudhanoti.
The constituencies include LA-14 Bagh-I, LA-15 Bagh-II, LA-16 Bagh-III, LA-17 Bagh & Haveli Kahuta, and LA-18 to LA-24 covering Rawalakot, Poonch, and Sudhanoti.
The first phase of the elections was held in the Mirpur Division on July 27, 2026, where PML-N won nine seats.
In the second phase, conducted on August 2 in the Muzaffarabad Division, PML-N secured five directly elected seats and 10 of the 12 refugee seats, bringing its total to 24 seats, making it the leading party so far.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won four seats in the first phase, four more in the second phase, and two refugee seats, taking its overall tally to 10 seats.
With the final 11 constituencies set to vote on August 10, the results are expected to complete the electoral picture and determine the balance of power in the next Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
