- Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Elections were held in 26 seats spread over six districts, and 20 of these segments recorded a marginally lower turnout than in the 2014 assembly elections
By: Shajil Kumar
THE SECOND phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections saw a voter turnout of over 56 per cent on Wednesday, with the democratic exercise passing off peacefully amid tight security.
While there was significant participation in key constituencies in 26 seats spread over six districts with long queues of voters at polling stations since early morning, 20 of these segments recorded a marginally lower turnout than in the 2014 assembly elections, when the overall voting was 60 per cent.
The first phase of polling, held on September 18, saw an estimated 61.38 per cent voter turnout, while the final phase is set to take place on October 1 in the crucial elections being held after 10 years.
Jammu and Kashmir chief electoral officer P.K. Pole announced a preliminary turnout figure of 56.05 per cent, stating that it might change as polling continued in some areas, including Hazratbal and Reasi.
He emphasised that the election proceeded smoothly, with only minor incidents reported.
“There were some stray incidents, but there is no need for re-polling anywhere,” Pole stated during a press conference after polls closed at 6 PM.
The highest turnout was recorded in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency, with 79.95 per cent of registered voters exercising their franchise.
Other notable turnout figures included Kangan (71.89 per cent), Gulabgarh (73.49 per cent), and Surankote (75.11 per cent).
The Election Commission had set up 3,502 polling stations across the region, including 1,056 urban and 2,446 rural stations, with a robust security presence to ensure a safe voting environment.
Over 15,000 personnel, including local police and central paramilitary forces, were deployed to maintain order at the polling sites.
Foreign diplomats
This phase saw a delegation of 16 foreign diplomats, including representatives from the US, Norway, and Singapore, visiting the valley to observe the electoral process.
The Ministry of External Affairs had invited diplomats from 16 countries to observe the exercise.
The delegation also interacted with local voters, who highlighted concerns about issues such as erratic electricity supply and rising bills.
“Electricity tariff meters have been installed. Now they say water consumption will also be metered,” a woman in her late 60s told a diplomat while waiting for her turn to vote at a polling station in the heart of Srinagar city.
While the woman refused to identify herself, she said she spoke her heart out hoping that there would be some relief for the poor people and that the “angrez” (foreigner) would take up the matter with the Centre.
The elections in Jammu and Kashmir continue to attract attention both domestically and internationally, as the region navigates its complex political landscape.
Main contestants
In Srinagar district, 93 candidates are vying for votes, followed by 46 in Budgam, 34 in Rajouri, 25 in Poonch, 21 in Ganderbal, and 20 in Reasi.
Prominent faces in this electoral battle include former chief minister Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from the Ganderbal and Budgam constituencies.
Tariq Hamid Karra, the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), is running for the Central Shalteng seat.
Ravinder Raina, the chief of BJP’s J-K unit, aims to retain his Nowshera seat in Rajouri.
Other notable candidates include jailed separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, also known as Barkati, contesting from Ganderbal and Beerwah, and Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, who is contesting in Channapora.
Former ministers such as Ali Mohammad Sagar (Khanyar), Abdul Rahim Rather (Chrar-i-Sharief), Choudhary Zulfikar Ali (Budhal), and Syed Mushtaq Bukhari (Surankote) are also in the running, with Ali and Bukhari standing on BJP tickets this time around.
The counting of votes is on October 8. (PTI)
