The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has suspended and arrested two presiding officers in Kotli after they failed to report to their assigned polling stations during the ongoing 2026 Legislative Assembly elections.
According to an Election Commission spokesperson, the two officials went to a private residence instead of reporting to their designated polling stations.
The officials were immediately suspended and taken into custody, while returning officers took possession of the polling bags to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The Election Commission said replacement presiding officers were appointed and dispatched to the affected polling stations without delay, allowing polling to continue without interruption.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against the two officials under the relevant election laws, the spokesperson said.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to holding free, fair and transparent elections, warning that negligence or violations of electoral rules would not be tolerated.
Polling for the first phase of the 2026 AJK Legislative Assembly elections is taking place across 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division, including four seats in Mirpur, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli.
According to official figures, 1,401,439 registered voters, including 675,628 women and 725,811 men, are eligible to vote in the division.
The Election Commission has established 2,454 polling stations and 3,701 polling booths, while 287 candidates, representing political parties and independent groups, are contesting the seats.