J&K Simultaneous Polls: CEC seeks security, political consensus

Abid Ahmad

Jammu, Mar 13: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has expressed the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) concern over holding both assembly and Lok Sabha elections concurrently in Jammu and Kashmir. However, he emphasized that the final decision would be taken only after a comprehensive review of the security scenario and consultations with all political parties and the administration.

Addressing a news conference in Jammu, Kumar said, “I want to clarify that there was no delay from our side. The process of Reorganization as well as Delimitation ended only in December 2023.  There was a dissonance of Reorganization and Delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir. We want elections as soon as possible. Will take the security situation in detail. We do not want to create any political vacuum. We will take the final decision following extensive consultations with representatives from political parties, as well as civil and police administration officials in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Kumar underscored the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) unwavering commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in the region, with a focus on fostering a level playing field for all stakeholders.
The CEC emphasized the paramount importance of conducting transparent elections in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need to uphold the democratic principles of fairness and equity.
Highlighting the demographic composition of the electorate, Kumar revealed that Jammu and Kashmir boasts a total of 86.9 lakh voters, comprising 44 lakh males and 42 lakh females. Additionally, the region includes 67 thousand voters with disabilities, 77,290 voters over the age of 85, and 2,886 centenarians. Notably, over 3.4 lakh individuals are first-time voters, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic electoral landscape.
To combat misinformation and ensure the integrity of the electoral process, Kumar announced the establishment of control rooms in every district to monitor and counter fake news. Appointing nodal officers to oversee this initiative, the ECI aims to safeguard the electoral process from the harmful effects of misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
Moreover, Kumar emphasized the significance of enhancing public participation in the electoral process, highlighting the launch of innovative applications such as the Voter Help Line and B Vigilant. These platforms are designed to facilitate voter engagement and empower citizens to contribute to the integrity of the electoral process.
Addressing the concerns of service voters, Kumar explained that service voters, including those serving in the armed forces and stationed in remote locations, play a crucial role in the electoral process.
He revealed that there are 76,876 service voters from Jammu and Kashmir. In adherence to national norms, the ECI will ensure that service voters are provided with the necessary facilities, including the postal ballot, to enable their participation in the electoral process.