J&K Assembly polls herald new dawn for the region

Subhasish Mitra (Wide Angle)

The final round of polling for the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections has concluded. The exercise was held in a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere. Scenes of voters patiently waiting in queues 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 the three-phased polls, underscoring a renewed spirit of civic participation and hope for a new era with people deciding their own future.

 

Observers say that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have delivered on their promise of ensuring democratic resurgence in Jammu & Kashmir. 

 

CEC Rajiv Kumar said, “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," he remarked.

 

The elections were a resounding statement in favour of democracy in line with the CEC's vote of confidence given during the announcement of the General Elections in J&K on August 16, 2024. He had then expressed that “in Jammu-Kashmir, the world will witness the defeat of nefarious and inimical interests and the triumph of democracy”.

 

A voter turnout of 69.69% was recorded in 40 assembly constituencies where polling was held in the third and last phase on October 1. Phase-1 and Phase-2 saw a polling percentage of 61.38% and 57.31% respectively. Overall, 63.88% turnout has been recorded at polling stations in J&K Assembly Elections 2024, as against 58.58% in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year. 

 

Counting of votes is scheduled on October 8, 2024.

 

The seamless, smooth and peaceful conduct of elections could be possible because of the meticulous planning and constant vigil by the EC.

 

In spite of an increase in the number of Assembly Constituencies from 83 in 2014 to 90 in 2024, the elections were completed in 3 phases this time as against 5 phases in 2014. No major law and order incidents related to the election were reported.

 

This marks a significant improvement from 2014 when over 170 incidents were reported, including 87 on polling days. From the very beginning, clear instructions were given for ensuring a level playing field including no bias in allotting permissions for campaigning, which has resulted in vibrant campaigning across the political spectrum in J&K. There have been no complaints pertaining to arbitrary preventive detention of political functionaries in these elections which is unprecedented.

 

The Commission had also strictly instructed against use of money and muscle power. Vigilance and seizures were fortified by the coordinated efforts of Enforcement agencies resulting in seizures worth Rs 130 crore, the highest ever in the history of J&K elections. It even surpassed Rs 100.94 crore worth seizures made during the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. The bulk of seizures included drugs worth Rs 110.45 crore.

 

Strong security measures were in place creating a conducive environment for voters to cast their vote without fear or intimidation.

 

The J&K Assembly elections this time saw a 7% increase in the number of candidates compared to 2014. 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.

 

These elections witnessed a significant increase in voter turnout in areas which have been infamous for militancy and boycotting democratic processes. It shows that the electorate embraced democracy over poll boycott.