MUZAFFARABAD: The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Wednesday announced that the by-elections in two constituencies of AJK Legislative Assembly in Mirpur division will be held on Oct 10.

The LA-3, Mirpur-III became vacant after PTI chief Barrister Sultan Mahmood, who had returned from there on July 25, was elected and subsequently sworn in as AJK president while the LA-12, Kotli-V fell vacant after PPP leader Chaudhry Mohammad Yasin, who had returned from two constituencies of Kotli district, retained membership from the other seat.

Both leaders are believed to be fielding their sons from the seats vacated by them.

According to the schedule, nomination papers will be filed before the returning officers on Sept 13 until 4pm which will be scrutinised on Sept 14 between 8am and 2pm, followed by publication of the list of valid candidates the same day.

Appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be filed before the commission on Sept 18 before 2pm and the same will be heard between 9am and 4pm on Sept 20.

Decisions on appeals will be announced on Sept 22 and candidates can withdraw their nomination papers before 2pm on Sept 23. Symbols will be allotted to the candidates on Sept 24 and the final lists of the candidates will be published the same day.

Polling in both constituencies will be held from 8am to 5pm on Oct 10.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2021