The polling for the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections concluded today in a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere. Scenes of voters patiently waiting in lines at polling stations, set against the scenic backdrop of the region, highlighted the people’s strong faith in democracy. The festive mood and enthusiastic participation were evident across all districts that went for polls in three-phased elections, underscoring a renewed spirit of civic participation and hope for a new era with people deciding their own future. CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have delivered on their promise of ensuring democratic resurgence in Jammu & Kashmir.
CEC Rajiv Kumar said that “J&K Assembly elections have marked a significant deepening of democracy which will echo in the pages of history and continue to inspire a democratic spirit of the region for years to come. He dedicated these elections to the people of J&K acknowledging their determination and belief in the democratic process. The peaceful and participative elections are historic, wherein democracy is taking root more profoundly than ever before, driven by the will of people of J&K”.
seizures worth 130 crores, highest ever in the history of J&K elections and even surpassing Rs 100.94 crores done during Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The bulk of seizures included drugs worth Rs 110.45 crore. 12 ACs were identified as Expenditure sensitive for enhanced vigil.
Strong security measures were in place creating a conducive environment for voters to cast their vote without fear or intimidation. Across 90ACs, webcasting was in place in 100% polling stations to ensure transparency of the voting process as compared to 20% polling stations in 2014 assembly elections.
Increasing vibrancy of electorate
Intensive efforts to increase the size of the electorate have yielded results. Overall, there has been a significant increase (~23%) in the size of the electorate from 2014. Encouragingly, the gender diversification of the electorate is very apparent with an increase of 27.90% in female electors. Young electorate, especially first time voters, embodied the aspirations of peace, democracy and progress and proudly showcased their inked fingers after voting.
Democracy deepened – Increased political Participation
The 2024 GELA in J&K has seen a 7% increase in the number of candidates contesting from assembly elections in 2014. Hearteningly, women candidates made a significant leap, increasing from 28 to 43 in the corresponding period, while independent candidates saw a 26% rise, further contributing to the expanding electoral landscape and grassroot political participation. Post delimitation exercise in J&K, for the first time in history, 9 seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in J&K resulting in a more inclusive & participative election. Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) also demonstrated a remarkable 71% increase in participation from 138 in 2014 to 236 in 2024. For campaigning by various parties, a total of 330 requests were received for pre-certification of campaign content by State MCMC as compared to 27 in 2014 LA elections.
Embracing democracy over boycott
These elections have witnessed a significant increase in voter turnout in areas which have been infamous for militancy and boycotting democratic processes. Polling percentage has increased by 12.97% in Pulwama AC in the Legislative Assembly Elections 2024 compared to the corresponding elections held in 2014. Zainapora AC in Shopian saw a 9.52% increase while Eidgah AC in Srinagar registered a 9.16% increase, reflecting growing confidence in the electoral process.
Democracy in remote corners and at the frontiers
In the mountainous landscape of J&K, the Commission in its resolve to leave no voter behind setup polling stations (PS) at even the most remote locations. 469 unique polling stations were set up near the Line of Control (LOC) and International Border with 106 PS in phase 2 and 363 PS in phase 3, ensuring voters in remote and sensitive areas could exercise their democratic right.
Enhancing voter experience at polling stations
As part of ECI’s commitment to make the voting experience pleasant and memorable, Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF’s) like drinking water, electricity, toilet, ramp, furniture, adequate shelter, helpdesk, wheel chair & volunteers amongst others were provided at all Polling Stations. One polling station each, exclusively managed by women and PwDs, was set up in every AC for giving a comfortable voting experience. For the convenience of voters, CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar had specifically directed all DEOs to ensure assured minimum facilities at all polling stations including providing benches in queues for convenience of voters.
Accessible and inclusive elections is a key objective of the Commission. Towards ensuring this, one polling station in each AC was manned by Persons with Disabilities, women and youth, numbering 90 in each category. The ECI is also pioneering efforts to environmentally sustainable elections and to this effect, 90 Green Polling Stations were also established.
Enhancing transparency and accessibility through technology
During the J&K elections, several apps played a vital role in supporting voters and candidates. The Know Your Candidate (KYC) app, which provides voters with essential candidate details, including criminal records, was downloaded over 6.45 lakh times, aiding informed decision-making. The Voter Helpline app, a one-stop solution for voter information and services, saw over 1.14 lakh downloads. The Saksham app, designed for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), enables users to request services like wheelchair assistance and manage voter registrations. Additionally, the Suvidha Candidate app helped streamline nomination and permission processes for candidates. Over 7200 applications were approved for campaign-related permissions. 541 complaints were received through cVigil for election related violations.
The provisional voter turnout figures of 65.58% as of 7 PM will continue to be updated AC wise on the Voter Turnout App by the ROs, as and when the polling parties formally close the poll and return from the polling stations based on the geographical/logistical conditions and after scrutiny of statutory papers and consideration of repolls, if any. The Commission for convenience of stakeholders, will also issue another press note with provisional voter turnout figures at ~2345 hours tonight.
In Phase-3, 40 Assembly Constituencies, spread across 7 districts saw polling across 5060 Polling Stations set up for voters in this phase. 415 Candidates were in the fray including 387 men and 28 women candidates in this phase of the elections. The seven districts that went to polls in phase 3 are – Bandipora, Baramulla, Jammu, Kathua, Kupwara, Samba and Udhampur.
Phase-1 and Phase-2 saw a polling percentage of 61.38% and 57.31% respectively. Counting of votes is scheduled on October 8, 2024.
Photo Credit: Election Commission of India
