Peaceful Polling in J&K's First Phase of Assembly Elections

The first phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir is proceeding peacefully with a turnout expected to exceed 60%. Over 23 lakh voters are set to decide the fate of 219 candidates. This marks the first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole on Wednesday announced that the first phase of the assembly elections is proceeding peacefully and incident-free.

Pole expressed confidence that the voter turnout will surpass 60%. He noted that polling is being conducted on a large scale, with initial reports showing a high turnout trend. Thus far, the process has been incident-free, he told PTI.

Polling stations have been set up for Kashmiri migrants in Jammu city's Muthi area. The first phase encompasses 24 assembly constituencies across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir, involving 3,266 polling stations. Pole mentioned that by 11 am, 26% of the votes had already been cast.

In the first phase, over 23 lakh voters are eligible to participate, deciding the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 independents. This marks the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Comprehensive security measures have been implemented to ensure a high voter turnout.

The eligible electorate includes 1.23 lakh youths aged between 18 to 19 years, 28,309 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and 15,774 elderly voters above the age of 85. An elaborate security plan by Jammu and Kashmir police aims to facilitate smooth polling for all eligible electors.

(With inputs from agencies.)