Election Commission Gears Up for Assembly Elections in Key States

The Election Commission has started preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. With the qualifying date set for July 1, 2024, the electoral rolls are being updated. The Commission also noted plans for conducting assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir, aiming to restore statehood.

The Election Commission has begun preparations for the forthcoming assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, and is also updating electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir. The qualifying date for roll update is set for July 1, 2024, the Commission confirmed on Friday.

The existing legislative assembly terms in the three states end on November 3, November 26, and January 5, 2025, respectively, making the elections imperative before these dates. Assembly elections are also on the agenda for Jammu and Kashmir, following a delimitation of constituencies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first visit to the valley after securing a third term, emphasized the significance of allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to elect their representatives. Observing high voter turnout in the Lok Sabha polls, the Commission directed the electoral rolls' update in the UT with the same qualifying date.

An official pointed out that, as per Para 10 B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968, registered unrecognised political parties in Jammu and Kashmir can now apply for a 'common symbol,' indicating imminent assembly polls.

Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner, stated that the poll body plans to initiate assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir shortly, noting logistical and security constraints that prevented simultaneous parliamentary and assembly elections. These will be the first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Following a delimitation exercise, the number of assembly seats has increased from 83 to 90. In December, the Supreme Court mandated the Election Commission to hold assembly elections by September 30. The Commission announced that pre-updation activities, including setting up polling stations, will begin from June 25.

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