Muzaffarabad: (Parliament Times) Secretary Election Commission Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Ayaz Bashir has said that citizens who have reached to 18 years of age till 31st March 2018 will be eligible to vote in upcoming Municipal elections in AJK.
While addressing a press conference here on Monday, Secretary Election commission said that newly grownup voters can register their votes till 30th April; however, he stated that the supplementary date could be extended further in case the need arises.
“General elections were held in 2016, since then many youngsters including boys and girls have reached the voting age of 18 years and they are eligible to vote but their names are still not updated in voter lists” , the secretary maintained.
It was also stated in the press conference that a qualifying date is mandatory for the preparation of voters list, so hereby the qualifying date is set (31st March). He said, “it is mandatory according to Azad Jammu and Kashmir electoral rules ordinance 1970 (section 10) that a voter must be AJK national and must be above 18.”
Secretary Election Commission also stated that newly eligible voters can poll their vote only on their permanent address mentioned on their National Identity card (NIC) issued by NADRA.
He also mentioned that if any person attempts to register his vote in more than one ward then one month imprisonment including 5 thousands fine will be imposed on the suspected person.
According to the electoral rules of AJK, voter list used in general elections will be used for Municipal elections besides up gradation of newly eligible voters.
