Polling has started in Muzaffarabad, Neelum and Jhelum Valley districts as the first phase of local bodies’ elections is being held today in three districts of Muzaffarabad division, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

According to a spokesperson for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), as many as 4,500 personnel of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) police are performing security duty in Muzaffarabad division.

“Polling will continue from 8am to 5pm without any break. A total of 2,716 candidates are competing in Muzaffarabad division,” the ECP secretary said.

“31 women candidates are also there in the field to contest elections,” he added.

It is also learnt that 695,049 voters in Muzaffarabad division will elect 595 councilors through voting.

As many as 411,072 voters in Muzaffarabad district, 154,832 in Jhelum Valley district and 129,145 voters in Neelum Valley district will exercise their right to vote.

900 independent candidates are also there in the field to try their luck in the local bodies’ elections.

Among the political parties, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued tickets to the biggest number of candidates, 575.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has issued tickets to 545 candidates while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to 465.

The polling at the women’s polling station, Saheli Sarkar School, started with the delay of an hour.

Three injured in brawl at AJK polling station

Polling was stopped at Katheli polling station in Khawara constituency of Muzaffarabad, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

The brawl took place between the supporters of two political parties.

Three persons were reportedly injured in the brawl at the polling station.

It is to be noted here that the first phase of local bodies’ election is being held in three districts of Muzaffarabad division, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Reporter: Safeer Raza