Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections to be Held in Three Phases
PTK Exclusive
Srinagar: August 16, 2024: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has announced that the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases, with voting scheduled on September 18, September 25, and October 1, 2024. The counting of votes will take place on October 4, marking a significant moment in the region’s democratic process.
During the announcement, the CEC emphasized the robust participation witnessed during the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year. “The long queues and the shine on people’s faces were a testament to their enthusiasm for the democratic process. There was thriving political participation in the entire election,” Kumar noted. He further expressed hope that the upcoming assembly elections would strengthen the layers of democracy in the Union Territory.
*Voter Demographics and Preparations:*
Kumar provided details on the electoral landscape, revealing that Jammu and Kashmir comprises 90 assembly constituencies. Of these, 74 are general seats, while 7 are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (ST). The total number of eligible voters stands at 87.09 lakh, with 44.46 lakh male voters, 42.62 lakh female voters, 3.71 lakh first-time voters, and 20.7 lakh young voters.
The CEC highlighted that the electoral roll will be finalized on August 20, a day after the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra on August 19. This will ensure that all eligible voters are included in the final list, enabling maximum participation in the elections.
*Hope for Change:*
Reflecting on the mood in the region, Kumar shared insights from recent visits to Jammu and Kashmir, where election preparations are underway. “There is great enthusiasm among the people. They are eager to participate in the election process. The long queues at the polling booths during the Lok Sabha elections are proof that people not only want change but also want to raise their voice by becoming a part of that change,” he said.
The CEC’s remarks underscore a growing sense of hope and determination among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are keen to shape their future through democratic means. The upcoming elections are expected to be a pivotal moment for the region, as residents choose their representatives and contribute to the ongoing process of political normalization.
The announcement of the election schedule marks a critical step in Jammu and Kashmir’s democratic journey, signaling a return to regular electoral processes after a period of political uncertainty. As preparations continue, all eyes will be on the region as it gears up for what promises to be a closely watched election.
