The first phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir saw a notable voter turnout of over 61 percent across 24 constituencies spanning seven districts on Wednesday, according to the Election Commission. The final turnout is expected to rise as data from some polling stations are still being compiled, and postal ballots have yet to be included in the tally.
Kishtwar district led with the highest turnout of 80.14 percent, followed by Doda at 71.34 percent and Ramban at 70.55 percent in the Chenab valley region. In south Kashmir, Kulgam recorded a 62.46 percent turnout, while Anantnag, Shopian, and Pulwama saw lower figures of 57.84 percent, 55.96 percent, and 46.65 percent, respectively.
This marks the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The previous assembly elections were held in 2014. The Chief Electoral Officer, P.K. Pole, reported that the preliminary turnout of 59 percent by the close of polling was the highest in the past seven elections, including four Lok Sabha and three assembly polls.
J&K Assembly Elections
The Election Commission’s press release stated that the voter turnout for Phase 1 stood at approximately 61.11 percent as of late evening. It added that this figure is subject to change as more data comes in from returning polling parties.
The elections proceeded largely peacefully with extensive security measures in place. Voter participation in the seven districts exceeded turnout figures from the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, which saw a voter turnout of 58.58 percent, the highest in 35 years.
Polling took place across 3,276 polling stations, with 24 special stations set up for migrant Pandits in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. Voter turnout among the Kashmiri migrant population was 31.42 percent, with higher participation noted in Delhi (40 percent) compared to Jammu (27 percent) and Udhampur (30 percent).
As the first phase concludes, expectations are high for the remaining two phases scheduled for September 25 and October 1.