Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir to be Held in Three Phases Starting September 18th

Srinagar, Aug 16: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Rajiv Kumar, announced today that the much-awaited assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases, beginning on September 18th. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Kumar detailed the election schedule and emphasized the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) commitment to holding timely and fair elections in the region.

The elections will take place in three phases: the first phase on September 18th, the second on September 25th, and the third and final phase on October 1st. The counting of votes will be held on October 4th.

Polling Schedule:

• First Phase (September 18th): Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda districts.
• Second Phase (September 25th): Ganderbal, Srinagar, Budgam, Poonch, Reasi, and Rajouri districts.
• Third Phase (October 1st): Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla, Udhampur, Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts.

The filing of nominations for the first phase begins on August 27th. For the second phase, nominations are due by September 5th, and September 12th is the last day for nominations for the third phase.

Kumar highlighted the robust democratic participation seen during the previous Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, noting the enthusiasm of voters and the high turnout. “There was thriving political participation in the entire election. We want the layers of democracy to be strengthened in J&K,” he remarked.

In preparation for the assembly elections, the ECI held a meeting with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on August 14th to assess the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The region is divided into 90 assembly constituencies, including 74 General, nine ST, and seven SC seats. There are a total of 87.09 lakh electors in Jammu and Kashmir, comprising 44.46 lakh male, 42.62 lakh female, 169 transgender voters, 82,590 persons with disabilities (PwDs), 73,943 very senior citizens, 2,660 centenarians, 76,092 service electors, and 3.71 lakh first-time voters.

To ensure free and fair elections, the ECI has instructed enforcement agencies, district magistrates (DMs), and superintendents of police (SPs) to maintain an environment free of inducements.

Kumar also announced that 360 model polling stations will be set up across the region, including facilities for Kashmiri migrants. He expressed optimism about a festive atmosphere during the elections, expecting increased voter turnout, particularly among women.

The final electoral roll will be published on August 20th, following the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra on August 19th. The CEC reiterated the importance of the elections in strengthening democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting on the positive changes in the security environment.

The upcoming assembly elections are seen as a crucial step in restoring political normalcy and strengthening democratic processes in Jammu and Kashmir.