Jammu and Kashmir has registered the highest voter turnout in the last 35 years, as the Union Territory saw around 59 percent polling in the first phase of assembly polls today. Polling remained peaceful across all 24 Assembly constituencies, spanning seven districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban, and Doda.
The Election Commission said youth and women voters shone bright at the polling stations, a testament to the deepening embrace of democracy in J&K. It added that their enthusiasm to cast their vote is an emphatic response in favour of the ballot against boycotts and violence. Long queues of voters at the polling stations showcased the entire world and the deep trust and confidence of the people of J&K in the democratic exercise.
The highest voter turnout in the Kashmir division was recorded in Kulgam district with 61.57 percent, while in Jammu division, the highest turnout was recorded in Kishtwar district with 77.23 percent. The polling process started at 7 in the morning and ended at 6 in the evening. The polling was held in 16 Assembly constituencies in Kashmir and eight constituencies in Jammu division spread across seven districts across the Union Territory. An encouraging participation of voters was seen in all 3276 polling stations where the enthusiastic voters exercised their right to franchise. Adequate security arrangements were put in place to ensure the smooth and incident-free elections today.
Along with webcasting in all polling stations, 32 Central Observers kept a vigilant eye on the election process on the ground, ensuring no disruptions to the electoral process. Kashmiri migrant voters were also empowered to exercise their franchise through 24 special polling stations setup in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. A home-voting facility was introduced for the first time in Assembly elections in J&K.