Chief Election Commissioner Lauds J&K’s Peaceful Elections, Marks Milestone in Democratic Progress
New Delhi, 08-10-2024: The Election Commission of India (ECI) extended its congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the successful and peaceful completion of the recent Assembly elections. In a statement, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar praised the historic electoral exercise, describing it as a triumph of democracy over adversity. He emphasized the resilience and commitment of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, who, through their active participation, reinforced the democratic fabric of the region. “By casting their votes, the people of J&K have not only fortified the pillars of democracy but have also paved the way for the region’s development and progress,” Kumar stated, encouraging citizens to remain committed to this democratic path for future prosperity.
Reflecting on the electoral process, Kumar highlighted that the voter turnout, candidate participation, and scale of election-related activities—such as processions and campaigns—marked a significant improvement over previous elections. He underscored the importance of the final two phases of polling, noting that they were conducted without any instances of boycotts or the need for re-polling, which he lauded as a remarkable achievement and a milestone in the democratic history of Jammu and Kashmir.
The election results saw the Congress-National Conference alliance surpass the halfway mark, securing 49 of the 90 seats required to form the government. Within this coalition, the National Conference emerged as the largest party, winning 42 seats, followed by the Indian National Congress with 6 seats, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) with 1 seat.
These elections, conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, were the first Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir following a decade-long gap and the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. This pivotal change restructured the region, leading to the bifurcation of the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The ECI underscored the importance of this election as a step towards restoring democratic governance and promoting stability in the region.
