People cast vote in Ganderbal for accessible, accountable representatives

Ganderbal, Sep 25: As Jammu and Kashmir saw assembly elections after a gap of nearly a decade, the mood and criteria of the voters seem to have changed. In Ganderbal assembly constituency, the people while expressing happiness for being given the opportunity again to elect their representatives, however said that this time they will vote for someone who will be accessible and accountable to them.

While every person might have a different reason for voting for a certain candidate, majority of the youths believe that accessibility and accountability are the two qualifications which every politician should have, a first time voter Zeeshan Ahmed said. A number of people who spoke to Greater Kashmir said that they have suffered a lot during this ten year long period without any representative, adding that they will vote for a candidate who knows their suffering and will resolve them.

Further, keeping the tradition alive, the Ganderbal district recorded an impressive voter turnout in the phase-II of the Assembly elections held on Wednesday.

People came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. Long queues of men and women including young and old were witnessed at several polling stations Shallabugh, Gutlibagh , Tulmulla and other areas with the voters saying that they want to vote for development, improvement in basic civic facilities and employment opportunities for youth. “We have so many problems in our area, we have come out to vote for a person who will be available and solve these grievances of the area,” said Ghulam Mustafa, a local resident.

A good number of females were seen coming out to cast their votes, saying that they want to give a chance to someone that has capability to redress their issues. Many voters at Shallabugh village said that they voted for the development of their willow wicker craft which is facing decline due to neglect and less financial sources.

Adil Ahmed, a first time voter in Kangan said that they voted for youth empowerment and development. The district administration had established special polling stations on identified locations across the district to cater to a wide range of needs of individuals with disabilities, elderly citizens, women, which offer tailored services ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to vote in a manner that is convenient and accessible to them.

The district administration had established Special Polling Stations (Green/Pink/PWD/Youth manned) in District Ganderbal to showcase the inclusive facilitation by the ECI for voters, with first-time initiatives.

These stations aim to make the voting experience more accessible and engaging for all, officials said. The large number thronging the polling station added colours to the polling station, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. A Pink Polling Booth was set up in the Kangan and Saloora area for female voters.

The District Election Officer, Shyambir accompanied by SSP Ganderbal Wasim Qadri, conducted visits to several polling stations, interacted with polling parties, urging them to adhere to Election Commission guidelines diligently and execute their assigned tasks with dedication and integrity.