New Delhi, 16-08-2024 : The Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, announced on Friday that the Assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will take place in three phases starting from September 18. During a press conference in the national capital, Kumar outlined the election schedule, stating that the first phase of voting will occur on September 18, the second phase on September 25, and the third and final phase on October 1. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 4.
Kumar emphasized the importance of these elections, marking a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, “Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases, with voting on September 18th, September 25th, and October 1st. Counting of votes on October 4.” The process of filing nominations will begin with the first phase on August 27, followed by the second phase on September 5, and concluding with the third phase on September 12.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar also reflected on the positive political participation witnessed during the recent Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the enthusiastic turnout and the eager faces in long queues during those elections were clear indicators of the region’s democratic engagement. “There was thriving political participation in the entire election…We want the layers of democracy to be strengthened in J&K,” Kumar added.
To ensure the elections are conducted smoothly, the Election Commission held a meeting with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on August 14 to assess the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The commission also issued directives to enforcement agencies, District Magistrates, and Superintendents of Police to guarantee that the elections are free, fair, and devoid of any undue influence.
Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly comprises 90 constituencies, with 74 designated as General, nine reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), and seven for Scheduled Castes (SC). The electorate in the Union Territory totals 87.09 lakh, including 44.46 lakh male voters, 42.62 lakh female voters, and 169 transgender individuals. Notably, the electorate also includes 82,590 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), 73,943 very senior citizens, 2,660 centenarians, 76,092 service voters, and 3.71 lakh first-time voters.
This election marks a pivotal moment for Jammu and Kashmir, as it will be the first Assembly election in the region in ten years—the last one having been held in 2014. The Supreme Court, in December of the previous year, directed the central government to ensure that the election process is completed by September 30, 2024.