AJK Polls 2026: Final List Names 852 Candidates

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has issued the final candidate list for the 2026 general elections, confirming that 852 candidates will contest across 45 constituencies. The announcement formally moves the region’s electoral process into the campaign stage after the completion of nomination scrutiny and withdrawal procedures.

According to the final figures, a total of 1,255 nomination papers had initially been filed for the polls. After the withdrawal phase, 313 candidates stepped back from the race, leaving 852 contenders in the field for the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly seats.

The revised list shows a broad spread of political competition across different districts and divisions. Kotli Division has the highest number of candidates with 135 contenders, while Muzaffarabad District and Poonch Division each have 126 candidates competing in their respective areas.

Other areas also show significant electoral activity. The list includes 98 candidates from Muzaffarabad Division, 83 from Bagh, 82 from Haveli, 63 from Mirpur, 54 from Leepa Valley, 51 from Neelum and 34 from Jhelum Valley, reflecting a crowded race across both central and remote constituencies.

Election authorities have indicated that the publication of the final list marks the start of the next phase, where candidates and parties will intensify public outreach. Political groups, independent hopefuls and local campaign networks are now expected to mobilise voters through rallies, corner meetings, door-to-door contact and constituency-level messaging.

The AJK elections are closely followed in Pakistan because the region’s political landscape often reflects wider alignments among major national parties. Candidates backed by parties active in Islamabad, along with local political figures and independents, typically compete in a setting shaped by governance concerns, development promises, identity politics and constituency-level influence.

The 45 constituencies include seats within Azad Jammu and Kashmir as well as refugee constituencies linked to Jammu and Kashmir voters based in Pakistan. This structure gives the election importance beyond local administration, as it connects regional representation with the broader political position Pakistan maintains on Kashmir.

The latest announcement is also important because the finalisation of candidates allows voters, parties and observers to assess the real contest before polling. A large number of candidates can make campaigning more competitive, particularly in areas where vote banks are divided between party nominees, influential families and independent contenders.

For residents of AJK, the campaign period is expected to focus on issues such as roads, electricity, education, health services, employment and local governance. In recent months, public pressure over economic conditions and civic services has kept regional politics under scrutiny, making development and accountability likely campaign themes.

The next steps will include full-scale campaigning, election monitoring arrangements and preparations for polling day. With the final candidate list now public, the political temperature in Azad Kashmir is expected to rise as 852 candidates begin their formal push for public support across 45 constituencies.