The District Election Authority of Doda has successfully dispatched 800 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to three strong rooms across the district ahead of the first phase of the 2024 assembly elections. The EVMs were transported under stringent security measures to ensure the integrity of the election process. The first phase of the polls is scheduled for September 18.
District Election Officer Harvinder Singh confirmed that all EVMs have reached their designated locations in the Bhaderwah, Doda, and Doda West Assembly constituencies. Singh emphasized that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the elections are conducted in a transparent and fair manner.
The Doda district has a total of 310,578 registered voters, including 160,057 male and 150,521 female voters. The three-phase elections in Jammu and Kashmir will take place on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting set for October 4. The Union Territory will witness elections for 90 assembly constituencies, with 88.06 lakh voters participating.
In related developments, the National Conference (NC) and Congress have reached a seat-sharing agreement for the elections. NC will contest 51 seats, while Congress will field candidates in 32 constituencies. The two parties will engage in a “friendly contest” in five constituencies and have left one seat each for the CPI(M) and Panthers Party.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of 15 candidates, representing both the Jammu and Kashmir regions. The party is focusing on providing representation to various communities and castes.