New Delhi 16/8/2024 — For the first time since 2014, Jammu and Kashmir will head to the polls, with the Assembly elections scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The results will be announced on October 4, the Election Commission (EC) confirmed on Friday afternoon.
This election marks a significant step in the restoration of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, following the Supreme Court’s directive that elections be conducted by September 30. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Srinagar last month, affirmed that elections would take place soon, and statehood would eventually be restored.
Election Preparations Underway
In preparation for the upcoming election, the Election Commission has announced that the final voter list will be published by August 20, shortly after the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra. Approximately 87 lakh voters are expected to cast their ballots in the election.
Responding to concerns about the election date slightly exceeding the Supreme Court’s deadline, Election Commission Chief Rajiv Kumar emphasized that the people’s desire for change outweighed any concerns. “The people want change… they want to script a new future,” Kumar stated, outlining the EC’s commitment to ensuring a safe and successful election in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We recently visited J&K to assess the election preparations. There was great enthusiasm… people want to participate in the process. People want elections as early as possible,” Kumar added, recalling the “long queues” at polling stations in J&K and Ladakh during the Lok Sabha elections. He noted that these queues were “proof that people not only want change but also want to be part of that change. A glimpse of hope and democracy shows that the people want to change the picture… they want to write their own destiny. The people chose ballots over bullets,” he declared.
Political Landscape and Previous Elections
In the last Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged as the largest party with 28 seats, forming a coalition government with the BJP, which secured 25 seats. However, the alliance collapsed in 2018, leading to President’s Rule being imposed.
In the recent April-June Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and the National Conference each won two seats in Jammu and Kashmir, with an independent candidate securing the fifth seat. In Ladakh, another independent candidate won the sole parliamentary seat.
