News Mania Desk/ Sohom Chatterjee / 19th September 2024
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing their first Assembly election in the last ten years as the first phase was held on September 18, Wednesday. During the first phase, the polling took place in 24 constituencies of seven districts. This election is also the first election in J&K after Article 370 was repealed. All the contesting parties got their fair share of campaigning to increase their odds of winning.
The voting in the 16 seats of the Kashmir region and eight seats of the Jammu region started at 7 am and by 11.30 pm, the voting percentage was 61.13. Overall, the election atmosphere was peaceful.
Via a press release, the EC stated, “Building on the successful foundation of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, peaceful and enthusiastic voting marked the beginning of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“Voters from all sections of society responded to the ‘call of democracy’ wholeheartedly, reaffirming the confidence expressed by CEC Rajiv Kumar during the announcement of assembly elections that the people of J-K will give a befitting reply to the nefarious forces attempting to disrupt the electoral process,” it added.
The poll panel was quick to comment that the long queues of voters were a clear indication to the world of how deeply the people of J&K trust and confide the democratic exercise.
Kishtwar district recorded the highest turnout at 80.14 per cent followed by Ramban at 70.55 per cent, Doda at 71.34 per cent, Kulgam at 62.60 per cent, Anantnag at 57.84 per cent and Shopian at 55.96 per cent. The Pulwama district recorded the lowest at 46.65 per cent.
In an X post, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his joy over the success of the first phase of elections. He said, “Congratulations J-K for a historic voter turnout! I would like to thank all voters, who exercised their franchise in 1st Phase. Record polling in the peaceful, free and fair election attests to the strength of Indian democracy and people’s faith in democratic values. I must congratulate all my sisters & first-time voters for participating in large numbers to celebrate the festival of democracy. Heartfelt gratitude to outstanding security forces, JKP & Election Officials. Approx 59% polling in the first phase shows ‘Jamhooriyat’ (democracy) is flourishing in J-K.”
“Long queues of voters in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag demolished the motivated propaganda of the adversaries. People have also rebuffed the agenda of divisive elements and reaffirmed their faith in democracy,” LG Manoj Sinha added.
Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1, respectively. Votes will be counted on October 8.
