Election Commission Signals Assembly Polls in J&K, Three States with Official Transfers

The Election Commission has signalled that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir may be approaching. On Wednesday, it directed the Union Territory administration to reassign officers posted in their home districts. This step is typically taken before elections.

Election Preparations in Multiple States

Similar instructions have been issued to the chief secretaries of Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand. The terms of the current legislative assemblies in these states end on November 3, 2024; January 5, 2025; and November 26, 2024, respectively. Elections are due in these states in 2024.

The commission follows a consistent policy ensuring that officers involved in election processes are not posted in their home districts or places where they have served for long periods. This policy aims to maintain impartiality during elections.

Electoral Roll Updates and Symbol Allotment

Recently, the commission ordered updates to electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the three states mentioned. In June, it decided to accept applications for common symbols from registered unrecognised parties in Jammu and Kashmir.

The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be the first since Article 370 was abrogated, and the state was divided into two Union Territories in 2019. This significant change has increased the number of assembly seats from 83 to 90, excluding those allocated to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Supreme Court's Directive

Last December, the Supreme Court instructed the poll panel to conduct assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30. This directive underscores the urgency of holding elections in the region.

The electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir typically spans over a month. The delimitation exercise has played a crucial role in increasing the number of assembly seats, reflecting changes post-Article 370 abrogation.

The Election Commission's recent actions indicate that preparations for upcoming elections are underway. These steps ensure that the electoral process remains fair and transparent across all regions involved.