The Union Territory is buzzing with expectation as Jammu and Kashmir is ready to reveal the results of its first Assembly elections in ten years. On October 8, the results of 90 seats will finally be made public. The culmination of the three polling phases has prepared the ground for a historic occasion. With the potential formation of a government following a 10-year lapse, this day is anticipated to herald the start of a new political chapter for Jammu and Kashmir. Now as the next generation of leaders is poised to emerge, all eyes are on what could be a watershed event in the region’s political history.
The importance of this election is immeasurable. Jammu and Kashmir has been without an elected administration since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The re-establishment of electoral politics in the region is akin to a return to a semblance of normalcy and political representation for many. The prolonged absence of a government has resulted in a leadership vacuum, and numerous issues regarding the region’s future have yet to be resolved. The purpose of this election is not merely to occupy the Assembly seats; it is to ascertain the trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir in the years ahead. It pertains to the extent to which the viewpoints of the populace will be represented in governance and whether the aspirations of diverse regions and communities will be fulfilled. The candidates whose fate has been sealed in the electronic voting machines (EVMs) represent a diverse range of political ideologies and backgrounds. Among them are a former Chief Minister, presidents of two major national parties—Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—as well as the chiefs of three regional parties and several new political faces. These elections also witnessed the participation of candidates backed by the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), marking their return to electoral politics after more than three decades. Their participation as independents has drawn significant attention, especially since this is the first time since the 1987 elections, which were allegedly rigged, that such candidates have been seen on the political stage. Their involvement has contributed to the high voter turnout, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, where political engagement has often been low due to various conflicts and skepticism. The introduction of new political players has added further intrigue to these elections. The J&K Apni Party, led by former minister Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari, and the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), headed by former Congressman Ghulam Nabi Azad, are both participating in their first Assembly elections. These parties emerged after the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, a decision that fundamentally altered the political and constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. Their presence in the elections, especially in the Kashmir region and the Chenab Valley in Jammu, underscores the changing dynamics of politics in the Union Territory. Both parties represent a break from traditional political factions and have gained attention for their focus on development, governance, and local issues. Their success or failure in these elections will provide insights into how much ground they have gained among the electorate and whether they can challenge the more established parties in the long run. This election has also brought to the surface a clear regional divide between the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region. Throughout the campaign, it was evident that Jammu’s BJP leaders were focused on securing votes by promoting the idea of a Dogra Hindu Chief Minister from the Jammu region. This rhetoric, aimed at consolidating the Hindu vote in Jammu, reflects the deep-rooted identity politics that have often characterized elections in the region. On the other hand, the Kashmir Valley has traditionally leaned towards regional parties that advocate for Kashmiri identity and autonomy, and this election has shown the continuing divide in political aspirations between the two regions. It is important to acknowledge that this election was conducted peacefully and without incident, despite the underlying tensions. This is a noteworthy accomplishment in a region that has frequently experienced unrest and violence during election campaigns. The Election Commission of India (ECI) implemented numerous initiatives to guarantee a transparent, equitable, and impartial electoral process. The implementation of measures such as home voting for citizens over the age of 85 and for persons with disabilities, as well as postal ballots for government employees working outside their home districts, was met with widespread participation. These measures are indicative of the ECI’s concerted endeavour to increase the inclusivity of the electoral process and to engage as many individuals as possible in the democratic process. The outcome was a relatively high voter turnout ( 63.88% ), which is perceived by many as a positive indicator of political action in the region. However, with the conclusion of the voting, the focus has now shifted to the preparations for the counting of votes on October 8. The appointment of counting agents by candidates and the logistical arrangements by the ECI to ensure a smooth and peaceful counting process are currently underway. Given the sensitive nature of politics in Jammu and Kashmir, there is a heightened emphasis on ensuring that the counting day remains incident-free and that the results are accepted by all parties involved. This is crucial for maintaining the credibility of the election and ensuring that the political transition, whatever the outcome, is smooth. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, these elections are about more than just political representation. They are about restoring faith in democratic institutions and governance. For the past decade, the region has faced numerous challenges—political uncertainty, economic stagnation, and security concerns. The formation of a new government offers the promise of addressing these issues and bringing much-needed stability to the region. The hope is that the elected government will focus on development, governance, and improving the quality of life for its citizens, rather than getting bogged down in divisive politics. The next few years will be critical for Jammu and Kashmir’s future, and the role of the new government in shaping that future cannot be understated. The ongoing consequences of the 2019 constitutional amendments have also contributed to the complexity of these elections. Article 370 and Article 35A’s repeal continues to be a contentious matter, particularly in the Kashmir Valley. These elections are perceived as voting on the changes by a significant number of individuals in the Valley, and the results of the elections may offer a glimpse of the public’s views on this matter. Although some political parties have embraced the new constitutional framework, others have persisted in their effort to re-establish Jammu and Kashmir’s unique status. The new Assembly’s handling of this matter will be intently monitored by political observers throughout the nation, in addition to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
With the approaching date of October 8, the excitement is intensifying. These elections will establish the tone for the political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir for the foreseeable future. Whether the government will be able to effect enduring change or if it will be unable to overcome the same old obstacles remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the people of Jammu and Kashmir are prepared for a new beginning, and the nation’s attention is on them as they anticipate the commencement of this new political chapter. It is hoped that this election will establish a foundation for a stable, progressive, and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir, where democratic values and governance are inextricably linked to the welfare of its populace.