LG elections underway in Azad Kashmir after 31 years

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MUZAFFARABAD: After 31 years, the first phase of the local government elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is underway.

The polling is taking place in three districts of Muzaffarabad Division — Neelum Valley, Jhelum Valley and Muzaffarabad. It will take place till 5pm.

About 2,725 candidates are contesting for 614 local body seats. The candidates include 31 women.

Earlier, The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that the local government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad would be held on Jan 15, 2023.

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja had announced the reserved verdict here on Tuesday.

Earlier, the local government elections were first postponed in Karachi July due to the monsoon rains in the city. Later, the provincial government had repeatedly sought postponement of the elections.

The Election Commission of Pakistan had deferred the local government elections several times due to the non-provision of security from the Sindh government.

The ECP had initially scheduled elections for July 24. However, the polls were delayed due to rains and bad weather. Later, the polling was scheduled for August 28 and October 24, respectively, but the Sindh government denied to provide security