Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Monday that polling in the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections was proceeding peacefully in the remaining constituencies of Poonch Division, with only a few isolated incidents reported.
Speaking to reporters, Sanaullah said voting was taking place smoothly, particularly in the constituencies of Haveli and Bagh.
He said the elections were proceeding after the AJK and federal governments had agreed to give protesters sufficient time to reconsider their position, adding that efforts to prevent the electoral process had ultimately failed.
“Those who wanted to stop the elections should now realise that they have failed,” Sanaullah said, adding that the people of AJK had exercised their right to vote and delivered their mandate through the democratic process.
He said the completion of the third phase would clear the way for the formation of a new government in AJK.
Sanaullah added that the elected government would be responsible for addressing the legitimate concerns and problems of the people through democratic and constitutional means.