September 25th 2024.
Srinagar: On Wednesday, the second phase of voting for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections took place with a turnout of over 56 percent. Despite tight security measures, the voting process went smoothly and peacefully.
In the 26 constituencies spread across six districts, there was a significant number of people turning up to cast their votes in key areas. Long queues were seen at polling stations since early morning. However, in comparison to the 2014 assembly elections where the overall voting was 60 percent, 20 of the segments in this phase recorded a slightly lower turnout.
The first phase of voting, held on September 18, saw an estimated 61.38 percent turnout. The final phase is scheduled for October 1, marking the crucial elections after a gap of 10 years.
Speaking at a press conference after the polling ended at 6 PM, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Pole announced a preliminary turnout figure of 56.05 percent. He mentioned that this number might change as polling continued in some areas, including Hazratbal and Reasi. Pole also emphasized that the election process went smoothly, with only minor incidents reported.
In the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency, the highest turnout of 79.95 percent was recorded, followed by Kangan, Gulabgarh, and Surankote with notable numbers. The Election Commission had set up 3,502 polling stations across the region, including 1,056 in urban areas and 2,446 in rural areas, with a strong security presence to ensure a safe voting environment. Over 15,000 personnel, including local police and central paramilitary forces, were deployed to maintain order at the polling sites.
This phase also saw a delegation of 16 foreign diplomats, including representatives from the US, Norway, and Singapore, visiting the valley to observe the electoral process. This marks the first time that international observers have been allowed to witness elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the onset of militancy in the region. The delegation visited multiple polling stations and expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the elections. US Deputy Chief of Mission Jorgan K. Andrews described the voting as "healthy and democratic," noting the enthusiasm of voters after a decade-long pause in the electoral process. He also mentioned that the process here was similar to how it happens in his country.
The Ministry of External Affairs had invited diplomats from 16 countries to observe the exercise. "They expressed overall satisfaction. Our officers explained to them about the overall process including arrangements," Pole said.
However, the decision to invite foreign diplomats drew criticism from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who questioned the necessity of foreign oversight in what he termed as an internal matter. Abdullah remarked, "When foreign governments comment, the Government of India says, 'this is an internal matter for India,' and now suddenly they want foreign observers to come and look at our elections."
He also criticized the government for what he perceived as a "guided tour" approach and called for consistency in policy regarding foreign involvement in domestic affairs. Members of the visiting delegation appreciated the electoral process, with some diplomats expressing admiration for initiatives like the all-female managed "Pink polling stations."
The delegation also interacted with local voters, who highlighted concerns about issues such as erratic electricity supply and rising bills. A woman in her late 60s, while waiting for her turn to vote at a polling station in the heart of Srinagar city, shared her worries about electricity tariffs and water consumption being metered. She hoped that the "angrez" (foreigners) would take up these issues with the Centre and bring relief to the poor people.
Sang Woo Lim, a diplomat from South Korea, liked the idea of Pink polling stations, an initiative of the Election Commission where all-female staff manages the polling stations. Alice, the Singapore deputy head of the mission in Delhi, said it was wonderful to be part of the delegation observing the polls here. She also expressed gratitude to the MEA for organizing the trip and allowing them to visit the polling stations.
The elections in Jammu and Kashmir continue to attract attention both domestically and internationally, as the region navigates its complex political landscape. In Srinagar district, 93 candidates are competing for votes, followed by 46 in Budgam, 34 in Rajouri, 25 in Poonch, 21 in Ganderbal, and 20 in Reasi. Some prominent faces in this electoral battle include former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Tariq Hamid Karra (the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee), and Ravinder Raina (the chief of BJP's J-K unit). Other notable candidates include jailed separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, also known as Barkati, contesting from Ganderbal and Beerwah, and Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, who is running in Channapora. Former ministers such as Ali Mohammad Sagar, Abdul Rahim Rather, Choudhary Zulfikar Ali, and Syed Mushtaq Bukhari are also in the running, with Ali and Bukhari standing on BJP tickets this time around.
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