Archive · 16 Sep 2026
PoK Presidential Election Set for September 24 Amid Criticism
The region called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will hold an election for its president on September 24.
The election authority announced the date on Tuesday.
Voting will happen at the Assembly Secretariat in Muzaffarabad.
Officials plan to count the votes on the same day.
The position has been empty since January.
It became vacant after Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry died.
Members of the legislative assembly will choose the president.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has enough members to potentially win easily.
India criticized recent local elections in the region and called them a farce.
The Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Election Commission announced that the presidential election will take place on September 24.
Polling and vote counting will be held at the Assembly Secretariat in Muzaffarabad on the same day.
The office has been vacant since January after the death of Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry.
Members of the region’s legislative assembly will form the electoral college and elect the president by majority vote.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has a clear assembly majority, while India criticized recent local elections as a “complete farce.”
- Who
- Members of the so-called legislative assembly will elect the president; the announcement was made by Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal.
- What
- An election will be held to choose the president of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
- When
- Polling and counting are scheduled for September 24; the Election Commission announced the date on Tuesday.
- Where
- The vote will take place at the Assembly Secretariat in Muzaffarabad.
- Why
- The presidential office has been vacant since January following the death of Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry.
Election Authorities’ Position
India’s Criticism
Legitimacy of the electoral process
Election Authorities’ Position
The Election Commission announced a scheduled vote in which assembly members will elect a president by majority vote.
India’s Criticism
India described recent so-called local body elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a “complete farce,” saying such exercises cannot hide the ground reality in the region.
Likely outcome
Election Authorities’ Position
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s clear majority means its nominated candidate may easily win.
India’s Criticism
India’s criticism questions the significance of such electoral exercises, though it did not specifically state a view on the September 24 presidential result.
- Election date
- September 24
- Polling location
- Assembly Secretariat, Muzaffarabad
- Electoral college
- Members of the so-called legislative assembly
- Voting method
- Majority vote
- Office status
- Vacant since January
- Previous officeholder
- Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry
- Leading party
- Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has a clear majority in the recently elected assembly