MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal has said that elections in Rawalakot could be held by August 20 or 21 if the ongoing sit-in is resolved within the next three to four days.
Speaking to the media in Muzaffarabad, Mughal said a decision had been made to conduct polling first in Bagh and Haveli due to security reasons.
He said security personnel had already reached Bagh and Haveli, while the transportation of polling material was underway under the supervision of the army. Eight security personnel would be deployed at each highly sensitive polling station.
The chief election commissioner said efforts were being made to restore internet services in Bagh and Haveli on August 9 and 10.
He added that the Election Commission would be in a position to announce a polling date for Rawalakot within the next seven days.
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“If the sit-in is resolved within three to four days, it will be possible to hold the Rawalakot election by August 20 or 21,” Mughal said.
Responding to allegations made by political leaders, the chief election commissioner said he could not respond through public statements.
He said the facts regarding whether rigging had taken place and, if so, who was responsible would be presented after the completion of the election process.
Mughal further said that votes are counted in the presence of the candidates’ polling agents.
