Pakistan, Aug. 8 -- The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission announced on Friday that it was postponing elections scheduled for Aug. 10 in the Sudhanoti and Poonch districts over security concerns, as protests and clashes mar the voting process in the region.

Elections for the 53-member Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly are being held in three phases over security concerns and heavy monsoon rains. The campaign has been marred by weeks of protests led by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

Polling in Azad Kashmir has been held in phases. Elections in the Mirpur Division were held on Jul. 27, while in the Muzaffarabad Division it was held on Aug. 2. Voting for the 12 seats reserved for refugees from Indian-admi...