Srinagar, Sep 18: The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, held on Wednesday, saw a voter turnout of 58.85 percent, marking the first such polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
The last Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir took place in 2014.
Polling was conducted across 24 constituencies—16 in the Kashmir division and eight in Jammu. Voter enthusiasm was particularly high in South Kashmir, which was once known for following separatist-led poll boycotts. The Kishtwar seat in Jammu recorded the highest turnout at 77.23 percent, while Pulwama, in the Kashmir Valley, saw the lowest at 46.03 percent.
By 5 PM, the Election Commission had recorded a 58.19 percent turnout in the Valley, reflecting substantial participation despite concerns over security and past boycotts. The first phase was marked by multi-layered security arrangements across key districts including Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian in the Kashmir Valley, and Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar in Jammu.
In South Kashmir, areas traditionally associated with poll boycotts, such as Sangus, Kahkote, Koimah, and Bugam in Kulgam district, witnessed an unexpected surge in voter turnout. These regions, once dominated by supporters of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami group, saw long queues at polling stations.
Voters in these areas expressed a shift in their approach, citing the ineffectiveness of boycotts in the past and the desire for change through electoral participation. “Boycotting elections has brought no results. Now we feel it’s time to use our votes to secure peace, development, and a life free of fear,” said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Kahkote.
Ex-Jamaat-e-Islami member Asrar Ahmad, who hails from Kahkote was contesting against CPI (M)’s M Y Tarigami. The turnout in these areas is significant as they have historically been hotbeds of resistance to elections.
“We have seen years of bloodshed and violence. This vote is for peace and for change,” said Adil Ahmad.
In the Jammu region, Kishtwar saw high participation, although polling was temporarily disrupted due to chaos over alleged voter misidentification, which led to heated confrontations among voters. Despite the tensions, Kishtwar emerged with the highest turnout in the first phase.
Polling stations in Doda district were crowded with voters eager to exercise their right to choose their representatives. Many voters in the region also expressed hope that the elections would pave the way for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, which was revoked along with Article 370.
In this phase, over 23 lakh voters will determine the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 Independents, across 24 Assembly constituencies. The second and third phases are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, with vote counting set for October 8.
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