The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the much-awaited assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. These elections are set to take place in three phases, starting from September 18, 2024. This will be the first time in ten years that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes to elect their assembly representatives.
Harvinder Singh, the Election Officer of Doda District, provided important details during a press conference on Saturday. He informed that the code of conduct has already come into effect, as the first phase of voting is scheduled for September 18. The deadline for filing nominations is August 27, and candidates will have until August 30 to withdraw their nominations.
The elections will be conducted in three phases across the Union Territory. The first phase will take place on September 18, the second on September 25, and the final phase on October 1. The counting of votes will happen on October 4, determining the fate of candidates who have contested in the 90 assembly constituencies.
Jammu and Kashmir has a total of 90 assembly constituencies, out of which 74 are general, nine are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), and seven for Scheduled Castes (SC). The region has 87.09 lakh registered voters, including 44.46 lakh male voters, 42.62 lakh female voters, and 169 transgender voters.
Among these, there are also 82,590 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), 73,943 senior citizens, 2,660 centenarians, and 3.71 lakh first-time voters. Additionally, 76,092 service electors will also participate in the elections.
The last assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir was held in 2014, which resulted in a coalition government between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, this government collapsed in June 2018, when the BJP withdrew its support from then-Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
Since then, the region has been under Governor’s rule, followed by President’s rule, and there have been no assembly elections. In December of the previous year, the Supreme Court of India directed the central government to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024, leading to the current announcement.
The Election Commission has stressed the importance of impartiality and transparency in the election process. They have directed all enforcement agencies to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly and fairly, providing a level playing field for all candidates and political parties. The district election officer also mentioned that training sessions and interactive meetings have been organized with political parties to ensure everyone is well-prepared for the upcoming elections.
These elections mark a significant moment for Jammu and Kashmir, as the region prepares to exercise its democratic rights after a long hiatus. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the political landscape of the Union Territory is set to change with the results of these elections.
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