Bandipora readies for 3rd phase of assembly elections

Bandipora, Sep 27: District Bandipora is all set to go to the polls on October 1, during the third and final phase of General Elections to the Legislative Assembly, with over 2.59 lakh voters eligible to exercise their right to franchise across the district.

The district comprises three Assembly Constituencies: Sonawari, Bandipora, and Gurez, with a total of 2,59,893 voters, including 1,32,679 males, 1,27,208 females, and 6 third-gender voters.

To facilitate the voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has established 312 polling stations—46 urban and 266 rural—to ensure smooth and hassle-free electoral participation in the district.

Among all three Assembly Constituencies in the district, the 14-Sonawari Assembly Constituency has the highest number of registered voters at 1,21,276, comprising 61,473 males, 59,799 females, and 4 transgender voters. A total of 137 polling stations are spread across this constituency, with 23 urban and 114 rural stations, ensuring that every registered voter has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

The 15-Bandipora AC follows with a voter population of 1,16,326, including 59,483 males, 56,841 females, and 2 third-gender voters. To facilitate voters, 144 polling stations have been established in this constituency, with 23 urban and 121 rural polling stations.

The 16-Gurez Assembly Constituency has the fewest registered voters at 22,291, with 11,723 males and 10,568 females. To ensure a smooth electoral process, 31 rural polling stations have been established across the constituency.

The District Administration has completed all necessary preparations to ensure a fair and transparent election. Adequate measures have been taken to ensure accessibility, security, and smooth operations at all polling stations across all constituencies.

As per the guidelines of the ECI, every polling station is equipped with the required infrastructure and has implemented measures to guarantee the safety and accessibility of voters, especially women, elderly voters, and persons with disabilities, to facilitate a hassle-free voting experience. Additionally, 12 model polling stations have been established across the district: one pink polling station, one green polling station, one blue polling station, and one red polling station in each AC.

Currently, a number of voter awareness programs are underway in various parts of the district to generate interest among the electorate regarding the importance of exercising their franchise and to maximize voter turnout.

Voting will take place from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm in the district.