AJK Election Commission rejects reports linking poll schedule to refugee seats

CEC Ghulam Mustafa Mughal says no political authority can dictate AJK poll schedule

The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Monday dismissed as “baseless” reports circulating in sections of the vernacular press and on social media suggesting that the general election schedule could not be announced until a decision was taken on the fate of the refugee seats. 

In a statement, a spokesperson for the commission stressed that the electoral body was “an autonomous and independent constitutional institution” that discharged its constitutional and legal responsibilities with complete independence. 

“The announcement of the election schedule falls within the legal authority and jurisdiction of the Election Commission, which is exercised in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations in a timely manner,” he said. 

The spokesperson added that the commission was neither required to consult nor seek permission from “any institution, individual or forum” before issuing the election schedule. 

The clarification appeared to be prompted by remarks attributed to AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore during an informal interaction with journalists from Rawalakot at the residence of Sardar Tanveer Ilyas in Bangoin late on Saturday night.

According to journalists present at the gathering, Mr Rathore, while responding to a question, had said he believed the election schedule could not be announced until a decision was reached regarding the refugee seats. 

Mr Ilyas, who was also present, reportedly remarked that “nothing would happen” if elections were delayed by three or four months. In a video clip circulating on social media, he was heard reiterating a similar view at another event in his native area on Sunday. 

Rejecting the reports, the Election Commission spokesperson said the claims being circulated in newspapers and online were “contrary to facts and unfounded,” and urged the public and media outlets to rely only on official statements issued by the commission. 

“The Commission makes all its decisions independently, keeping in view the requirements of the law and the public interest,” he added. 

When contacted by this scribe, Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the power to announce the election schedule rested exclusively with the Election Commission. 

“Neither any political party nor any executive authority has the right to dictate when and how the election schedule should be announced,” he said, in an apparent reference to the AJK premier. 

He said the commission would appoint returning officers on Tuesday, while the election schedule would be announced after two days.

Tariq Naqash