The first phase of Jammu Kashmir’s much-anticipated Assembly elections, held after a decade-long hiatus, has seen significant voter engagement.
Officials said that by 3:00 PM, an overall voter turnout of 50.65% was recorded, signaling the public’s eagerness to participate in these crucial elections.
This marks a significant milestone in the democratic process for the Union Territory, as these elections are the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the reorganization of Jammu Kashmir.
In Anantnag, a vital constituency, 46.67% of voters had cast their ballots by 3:00 PM, showcasing a solid turnout despite the region’s complex political landscape.
Shopian saw a turnout of 46.84%, while Kulgam recorded 50.57%, Voter participation in Pulwama was slightly lower at 36.90%, though these figures are expected to rise as the day progresses.
In Jammu division, the enthusiasm has been even higher. Doda reported a turnout of 61.90%, while Kishtwar registered an impressive 70.03%, one of the highest in the region. Ramban followed closely with 60.04%, reflecting widespread public engagement in these pivotal elections.
These elections, being held after 10 years, represent a major turning point for Jammu and Kashmir.
The return to democratic processes is seen as a critical opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns and contribute to shaping the future of the Union Territory.
The steady voter turnout reflects the public’s determination to actively participate in this historic moment, despite challenges posed by the region’s political and security situation.
With more hours remaining in the polling process, voter participation is expected to increase, highlighting the significance of these elections in restoring local governance and addressing regional aspirations.