The Election Commission of India has announced that the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases. The first phase will be held on September 18, followed by the second phase on September 25 and the third phase on October 1. The results will be declared on October 4.
Election Schedule and Key Dates:
Phase I
Polling Date: September 18
Last Date for Nominations: August 27
Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidatures: August 30
Gazette Notification: September 9
Phase II
Polling Date: September 25
Last Date for Nominations: September 5
Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidatures: September 9
Phase III
Polling Date: October 1
Last Date for Nominations: September 12
Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidatures: September 17
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, addressing a press conference in New Delhi, stated that the assembly elections will be held after a significant gap, ensuring a return to democratic governance in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to providing adequate security for all candidates, addressing concerns from political parties about the safety and fairness of the electoral process.
Voter and Constituency Information:
Jammu and Kashmir has a total of 87.09 lakh voters, including 42.6 lakh women, spread across 90 constituencies. The upcoming elections are seen as a crucial step in re-establishing an elected government in the region, which has been under direct administration since the dissolution of the previous assembly in 2018.
Historical Context:
The last assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were conducted in 2014. During those elections, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) emerged as the largest party, securing 28 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) followed with 25 seats. The PDP and BJP subsequently formed a coalition government, with Mehbooba Mufti serving as Chief Minister. This coalition government collapsed in June 2018 when the BJP withdrew its support for Mehbooba Mufti, leading to the region being governed directly by the central government.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court directed the central government to conclude the electoral process by September 30, 2024. This directive underlined the urgency of reinstating an elected assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been without one for nearly a decade.
Reactions from Key Figures and Parties
Earlier today, National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Omar Abdullah highlighted the importance of timely assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah expressed hope that the announced dates will lead to a more democratic process and emphasized the need for elections to address governance issues in the region.
Farooq Abdullah, National Conference Chief, welcomed the announcement, stating, “I thank God that the elections are being held sooner than expected. This is a crucial step towards restoring democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. I hope the central rule will end and our people will be able to elect a government of their choice.”
Ravinder Sharma, Senior Vice-President of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, expressed cautious optimism, saying, “The announcement of assembly elections is a step in the right direction. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting for six years to restore democratic governance. We urge the Election Commission to ensure fairness and address any administrative issues that may arise.”
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti welcomed the announcement of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections but expressed that the polls should have been held six years ago.
“The PDP welcomes the election announcement,” Mufti said. “However, we have significant concerns. The state once enjoyed semi-autonomous status with its own constitution and flag. Over the past five years, not only have the fundamental rights of the people been undermined, but democracy itself has been suspended.”
The Election Commission has also held a security review meeting with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla to ensure a secure electoral environment. Enforcement agencies, District Magistrates (DMs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been instructed to maintain a free, fair, and inducement-free electoral process.
The announcement of the election schedule is a significant step towards restoring democratic governance in Jammu and Kashmir, and it will be closely monitored by political analysts, stakeholders, and the public as the region prepares for this pivotal electoral event.
