Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls Record Over 61 Percent Voter Turnout in First Phase

The first phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir saw a voter turnout exceeding 61 percent across 24 segments in seven districts, according to the Election Commission. This figure may rise as data from some polling stations is still being compiled, excluding postal ballots. Kishtwar district recorded the highest turnout at 80.14 percent, followed by Doda with 71.34 percent and Ramban at 70.55 percent.

In South Kashmir, Kulgam district led with a turnout of 62.46 percent, while Anantnag recorded 57.84 percent, Shopian 55.96 percent, and Pulwama 46.65 percent. This election marks the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, with the last elections held in 2014.

Voter Turnout and Security

The Election Commission reported an approximate voter turnout of 61.11 percent by late evening on polling day. The final figures will be updated as more data comes in from field officers. Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole noted that voting concluded peacefully at 6 pm, with a recorded percentage of 59 percent by that time.

Pole highlighted that this turnout was the highest in the past seven elections, including four Lok Sabha and three assembly polls. He attributed this increase to improved security, active political participation, and effective campaigning.

Polling Details and Incidents

Over 2.3 million voters were eligible to decide the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 independents. The polling percentage of 59 percent surpassed previous records for both Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the region.

In Kishtwar district, the Padder-Nagseni segment saw the highest voting at 80.67 percent, followed by Inderwal at 80.06 percent and Kishtwar at 78.11 percent. A minor incident involving a policeman outside a polling station in Kishtwar was resolved amicably.

Participation and Future Phases

Pole expressed optimism for high voter turnout in the remaining two phases scheduled for September 25 and October 1. The Election Commission praised the long queues at polling stations as a testament to the people's trust in democracy.

Voting took place across 3,276 polling stations in seven districts, with additional stations set up for migrant pandits in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. Among Kashmiri migrant voters, 31.42 percent participated, with varying percentages across different locations.

Comparative Analysis

The voter participation in this phase exceeded that of the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year. The trend builds on a previous high turnout of 58.58 percent during Lok Sabha polls, marking a significant engagement over the past decades.

Voting commenced at 7 am and continued smoothly throughout the day. People from all walks of life queued patiently outside polling booths across Kashmir Valley and Jammu.

Security forces ensured peace during the election process, although there were reports of minor clashes between political workers in Bijbehara and D H Pora areas.