The Election Commission (EC) of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has released the final list of candidates for the General Elections 2026.
Overall 852 candidates will contest across 45 constituencies after 313 candidates withdrew their nomination papers. A total of 1,255 nomination papers had initially been filed for the elections.
According to the revised list, the highest number of candidates will contest from Kotli Division (135), followed by Muzaffarabad District (126) and Poonch Division (126). Meanwhile, 98 candidates will contest from Muzaffarabad Division, 83 from Bagh, 82 from Haveli, 63 from Mirpur, 54 from Leepa Valley, 51 from Neelum, and 34 from Jhelum Valley.
Election activities are expected to gain momentum across Azad Kashmir as the final list is published.
Political parties and independent candidates have formally entered the campaign phase as they prepare to seek public support ahead of polling day. The Election Commission said the completion of the nomination process marks the beginning of a competitive electoral campaign, with 852 candidates now set to contest for seats in the 45 constituencies of the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly.