The first phase of the much-anticipated Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections commenced today, marking a historic moment as the region holds its first assembly elections in a decade. This also represents the first polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The elections are taking place over three phases, with the first round of voting happening today, September 18, 2024.
During this first phase, a total of 24 constituencies across seven districts—16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu—are heading to the polls. Over 23.27 lakh eligible voters are set to decide the fate of 219 candidates contesting from these constituencies. Some prominent areas voting in this phase include Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam in Kashmir, along with Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban in Jammu. In particular, displaced Kashmiri Pandits, numbering around 35,000, are eligible to cast their votes from special polling stations set up in Jammu, Udhampur, and even Delhi(India Today).
This election marks a pivotal moment for the region. It comes after years of central rule following the collapse of the PDP-BJP government in 2018. Since then, Jammu and Kashmir has been administered by the central government, and this election symbolizes a return to self-governance. The elections are being held under tight security measures, given the region’s history of electoral violence. However, the government is confident of a peaceful polling process this time, with no major disruptions anticipated
Several political parties are vying for influence in the newly restructured 90-member assembly. The Congress and National Conference (NC) have formed an alliance, while other parties like the BJP, PDP, and People’s Conference are contesting separately. Key candidates in this phase include Iltija Mufti, daughter of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who is contesting from Srigufwara-Bijbehara, and CPI-M’s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, aiming for re-election from the Kulgam constituency
Polling will continue for two more phases, scheduled for September 25 and October 1, with counting set to take place on October 8, 2024
This election is seen as crucial not just for political parties but also for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as it will shape the future governance of the Union Territory in this new chapter post-Article 370.
