J&K Assembly Election 2024 voting as commenced on Wednesday morning for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, marking a significant moment as it’s the first election since the abrogation of Article 370 in year 2019. This pivotal event signifies to the return of democratic processes in the region, with in 24 constituencies across seven districts participating in the initial phase of the polling.
The assembly elections, taking place on September 18, are historic as they are represent the first such polls in a decade. Voting is scheduled from 7 AM to 6 PM, allowing to ample time for approximately 2.3 million eligible voters to cast their ballots. This election also follows a controversial delimitation exercise that the resulted in a new allocation of seats, designating to 47 assembly seats for the Kashmir region and 43 for Jammu.
In Phase 1 of the polling, the constituencies include eight seats from the Jammu region, specifically in the districts of Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar. Meanwhile, the remaining 16 constituencies are located in the four districts of Kashmir: Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam. This division is underscores the geographic and political complexities of inherent in the region’s electoral landscape.
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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has put to extensive measures in place to ensure a smooth voting process. A total of 302 urban and 2,974 rural polling stations are have been established, staffed by over 14,000 election personnel. Each polling station will have a team of four election officials, including a presiding officer, ensuring that the voting procedure is conducted by fairly and efficiently.
A range of the political parties is contesting in these elections, reflecting the diverse political spectrum in Jammu and Kashmir. Key players include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Each of these parties has a unique vision for the future of the region, and their candidates are vying for the trust and support of the electorate.
In a surprising turn of events, a last-minute alliance was formed between Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and the politico-religious organization Jamaat-e-Islami. However, the candidates from this alliance will be contesting as of Independents, which adds an interesting dynamic to the electoral competition.
Notable candidates in this first phase of polling include Iltija Mufti, the daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, who carries significant political lineage and public interest. Other prominent figures include Ghulam Ahmad Mir, the Congress general secretary, and senior leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami from the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Each of these candidates brings a wealth of experience and distinct political ideologies, contributing to a competitive electoral atmosphere.
As the day progresses, live updates are will provide real-time information about as voter turnout and any issues that may arise be at polling stations. The anticipation surrounding these elections is palpable, as many of view this as a critical to opportunity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to the voice their opinions and shape their political landscape.
The stakes are to particularly high in this year, given the historical context and the recent political developments in the region. Many of the voters are expressing a sense of renewed hope, viewing the elections as a chance to reclaim their democratic rights and influence the governance of their home state. Conversely, others are approaching the elections with skepticism, reflecting on that the complex relationship between local and central authorities.
As voting takes place, the atmosphere at polling stations is expected to be vibrant, with citizens engaged in discussions about the future of their region. Community leaders and local activists have been mobilizing efforts to encourage voter participation, emphasizing the importance of every single vote in determining the direction of Jammu and Kashmir.
In summary, the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir represent a significant milestone in the region’s political history. With the first phase of voting now underway, the eyes of the nation are focused on the developments that will unfold over the coming days. As the people of Jammu and Kashmir step out to cast their votes, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their communities, looking to influence a brighter future for their region.
Phase 1 of voting begins in J&K, first election in 10 years
Voting is currently taking place in the first phase of a historic three-phase election in Jammu and Kashmir, marked by heightened security measures. Today, citizens are casting their votes in 24 Assembly constituencies across seven districts, a significant event as it is the first election in a decade.
As of 9 AM, the voter turnout in the initial three hours has reached 11.11 percent. Kishtwar district is leading with a turnout of 14.38 percent, demonstrating strong participation among its residents. In contrast, Pulwama has reported the lowest turnout so far, at 9.18 percent. The other districts also show varying levels of engagement: Doda has seen a turnout of 12.90 percent, Ramban at 11.91 percent, Shopian at 11.44 percent, Kulgam at 10.77 percent, and Anantnag at 10.26 percent.
This election is particularly significant, coming after years of political change and uncertainty in the region. Voters are expressing their desire to engage in the democratic process, making their voices heard after a long absence of assembly elections. The varying turnout rates across districts reflect different levels of enthusiasm and mobilization among voters, with local dynamics playing a crucial role in participation.
As the day unfolds, authorities are closely monitoring the polling process to ensure security and fairness. The commitment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their voting rights is evident, and these elections are seen as a crucial step towards restoring democratic norms in the region.