- August 7, 2026
PoK Protests: Elections Delayed In Poonch And Palandri Citing ‘Security Concerns’
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After reviewing a security report, the election commission in PoK decided to defer the elections in the two constituencies until further notice.
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The Election Commission in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has postponed polling in the Poonch and Palandri constituencies for the third phase of the region’s general elections, citing law-and-order concerns and a deteriorating security situation.
Polling in these constituencies was originally scheduled for August 10. However, after reviewing a security report submitted by the Interior Secretary and receiving representations from local political leaders and candidates, the commission decided to defer the elections until further notice.
The decision comes amid continuous protests led by the Awami Action Committee, which has been mobilising supporters in several areas of PoK over a range of political and governance-related issues. The protests have heightened tensions in parts of the Poonch division, raising fears that conducting polling in the affected constituencies could compromise voter safety and the integrity of the electoral process.
In a formal press release, the PoK Election Commission said the postponement was aimed at ensuring that elections are held in a free, fair and peaceful manner. It added that the revised schedule for polling in Poonch and Palandri would be announced after a thorough review of the prevailing situation.
While the two constituencies have been postponed, polling in the remaining constituencies scheduled for August 10 will go ahead as planned. According to the commission, voting will proceed in three constituencies of Bagh district and one constituency in Haveli district during the third phase.
The move underscores the growing political volatility in PoK at a time when the region is already witnessing increased public mobilisation and criticism of the administration. Election postponements on security grounds are relatively uncommon and usually reflect significant concerns about maintaining order during polling.
The current election process is being closely watched because it is taking place against the backdrop of economic stress, public protests and heightened political activity across several districts of PoK. Local candidates had reportedly urged the commission to reconsider holding polls in Poonch and Palandri, arguing that the prevailing atmosphere could discourage voter participation and create security risks for polling staff and political workers.
By postponing the vote in the two constituencies while allowing polling elsewhere to continue, the Election Commission appears to be attempting a balancing act: avoiding a complete disruption of the electoral timetable while responding to security assessments from the administration.
The revised dates for Poonch and Palandri are expected to be announced once authorities determine that conditions are conducive to holding elections safely and without intimidation.
About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18
August 07, 2026, 14:46 IST
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