Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls Witness Robust Voter Turnout

The third phase of Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir saw a turnout of 65.48% by 5 pm, likely surpassing the Lok Sabha poll turnout. Previous phases also recorded higher voter participation compared to general elections. The elections are the first since Article 370 abrogation and delimitation in 2019.

The third and final phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday witnessed a voter turnout of 65.48% by 5 pm, possibly exceeding the Lok Sabha poll turnout in the same seven districts, according to the latest data.

In contrast, the voter turnout in these districts during the recently-held parliamentary elections was recorded at 66.78%.

The initial two phases of the ongoing Assembly elections also saw higher voter participation compared to the general elections. Seven districts in Phase 1 recorded a 61.38% turnout, surpassing the general election's 60%. Phase 2 saw six districts with a voter turnout of 57.31%, compared to 52.17% during the Lok Sabha polls, as per available data.

The current Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are significant, marking the first elections since the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in 2019. The number of assembly seats increased from 83 to 90 (excluding those allocated to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) following a delimitation exercise.

Last December, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to conduct Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30.

(With inputs from agencies.)