REGIONAL

Jammu Kashmir: Voter turnout dips in 20 of 26 constituencies in second phase

By News Desk

September 26, 2024

Out of the 26 assembly segments that went to polls in the second phase of Jammu Kashmir’s assembly elections, 20 registered a lower voter turnout compared to the 2014 elections, Press Trust of India reported.

According to J&K Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole, Wednesday’s polling saw an estimated 56.05% turnout across six districts.

In 2014, the overall voting percentage in these districts surpassed 60%. This time, the delimitation exercise added one seat, bringing the total to 26.

While voter participation increased in five segments in Srinagar, the remaining districts saw a drop. Budgam and Chrar-e-Sharief in central Kashmir recorded the most significant decline, with turnout falling by 15% compared to 2014, followed by Budhal with a 14% drop.

Despite these decreases, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi segment in Reasi recorded the highest turnout at 79.95%, though still lower than its 2014 figure of 82.68%.

Habbakadal, with a significant migrant population, registered the lowest turnout at 18.39%, down from 21.31% in 2014.

None of the assembly segments that saw a turnout increase surpassed 38%, while those with decreased turnout still exceeded 50%.

In Jammu division, turnout figures included Gulabgarh (73.49%), Surankote (75.11%), and Poonch-Haveli (74.92%), among others. Meanwhile, in the Kashmir valley, segments such as Kangan (71.89%), Beerwah (63.31%), and Ganderbal (56.97%) reported varied levels of participation.