Pakistan-administered Kashmir Holds Reduced Third Phase of Elections Amid Unrest

Voting in seven of the eleven constituencies of the Poonch division has been postponed after the Election Commission cited escalating security concerns, calls for a boycott by separatist groups and a spate of violent incidents that threatened the safety of polling personnel. The decision, announced on Tuesday, follows reports of attacks on election officials, the intimidation of voters and the deployment of additional security forces in the region, which includes the districts of Poonch, Rajouri and parts of the contested border area. Officials said the postponement applies to the constituencies of Surankote, Mendhar, Abbaspur, Khuiratta, Kotli, Charhoi and Bagh, while voting will proceed as scheduled in the remaining four seats.

The commission has indicated that the postponed polls will be rescheduled once a stable environment can be assured, and it is coordinating with local law‑enforcement agencies to address the underlying causes of the unrest. Election observers noted that the boycott calls, largely driven by local political factions demanding greater autonomy, have already depressed voter enthusiasm in the division. The delay underscores the challenges faced by authorities in conducting free and fair elections in the volatile region and may affect the overall composition of the legislative assembly pending the eventual completion of the voting process.