Enthusiastic Voting Marks Phase-I of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections.
Jammu and Kashmir:
The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections witnessed an impressive voter turnout of 58.85% as of 7:30 PM, signaling a robust engagement from the electorate. Polling took place across 3276 polling stations in 24 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across seven districts, namely Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban, and Doda.
The voting process was largely incident-free, showcasing a renewed commitment to democracy among the residents of J&K. This enthusiasm comes in the wake of earlier Lok Sabha elections, which had also recorded a voter turnout of 58.58%, the highest in 35 years.
Long Queues and Strong Participation
Voters from all walks of life stood in long queues, reflecting their confidence in the electoral process despite past challenges. A total of 219 candidates, including nine women, contested in this phase, with notable participation from young and female voters.
The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, closely monitored the election process. They ensured robust security measures were in place, creating a safe environment for voters. Additionally, 32 Central Observers were deployed to oversee the proceedings.
Enhanced Accessibility for All Voters
In a landmark initiative, the Election Commission introduced home-voting facilities for elderly and disabled voters, ensuring that those with mobility issues could participate comfortably. Special arrangements were made for Kashmiri migrant voters through 24 designated polling stations in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi.
Polling stations were equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs), including drinking water, ramps, and dedicated volunteers, ensuring a pleasant voting experience. One polling station in each AC was exclusively managed by women and persons with disabilities, promoting inclusivity.
Commitment to Fair Elections
The Election Commission’s resolve to maintain integrity in the electoral process was evident, with a crackdown on illegal inducements. Over Rs. 124 crore in seizures, including Rs. 107.9 crore related to drugs and narcotics, were reported. This effort reflects a commitment to reducing the influence of money power in upcoming phases of the elections.
Voter Turnout by District
The provisional voter turnout varied across districts:
Doda: 69.33%
Kishtwar: 77.23%
Ramban: 67.71%
Kulgam: 61.57%
Anantnag: 54.17%
Shopian: 53.64%
Pulwama: 46.03%
Looking Ahead
Polling for the second and third phases is scheduled for September 25 and October 1, 2024, with the counting of votes set for October 8, 2024. The Election Commission will continue to provide updates on voter turnout and other electoral developments as they unfold.
