Over 26% voting recorded till 11 am in first phase of assembly polls in J-K

Srinagar, Sep 18: Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday recorded over 26 per cent voter turnout till 11 am for the first phase of assembly polls, data from the office of Chief Election Commissioner for J&K said.

Among the demands of voters, jobs, market deflation, and release of prisoners top the list.

Assembly polls in the Union Territory are being held after a gap of 10 years and will be conducted in three phases with first phase underway today.

The voting began at 7 am amid tight security arrangements.

The polls are being held for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370. Polling is underway in 24 constituencies spread over seven districts of the Union Territory.

Second phase will be held on September 25 and the final phase will be held on October 1, while the counting will be on October 8.

The voter turnout is expected to be large in the region this time, owing to the long period of direct rule by centre.

The election this time is different, as this is the first election to be held after the state of J&K was downgraded to a Union Territory and does not consist of the Ladakh province.