As over 1.4 million voters head to the polls, the first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir's legislative elections could shape the region's political landscape for years to come.

The first phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections has officially begun, with over 1.4 million registered voters casting their ballots across the Mirpur division. The poll is a crucial event in the democratic process of the region with voters choosing from a crowded field of 296 candidates vying for key assembly seats.

The elections are being held in three phases for smooth security arrangements. Polling stations opened early this morning and are to close at 5 p.m. local time. Early reports show a steady turnout of voters, and officials report no major security incidents in the first hours of voting.

The political struggle is mainly between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and other forces at the regional level. The PPP has campaigned on promises of more self-governance and economic opportunities while PML-N has campaigned on development and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is boycotting the elections, citing concerns over economic conditions and recent political events.

Political analysts believe that the outcome of the first stage of voting is expected to set the tone for the rest of the stages of voting and that is why today’s voting is being closely watched by parties and observers alike. The results are expected to provide the first clue to the changing political trends in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Voting has been peaceful and now all eyes are on the Mirpur division where the result of today’s vote could have implications not only for the next stages of the election but the future of governance in the region.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)