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Soura sees remarkable voter turnout after 2018 ‘zero-sum’ polls

The increased voter participation reflected the residents’ commitment to having a voice in the democratic process.
08:39 AM May 14, 2024 IST | MUKEET AKMALI
soura sees remarkable voter turnout after 2018 ‘zero sum’ polls
Photo: Mubashir Khan/ GK
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Srinagar, May 13: In a remarkable turnaround from the 2018 municipal elections when not a single vote was cast in Srinagar’s Soura ward, the constituency witnessed a robust voter turnout in the 2024 polls.

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The two polling booths at Government Higher Secondary School Boys and Girls, catering to over 11,000 eligible voters, had recorded over 2000 votes by noon.

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This voter enthusiasm stood in stark contrast to the 2018 scenario when three candidates vied for the ward with an electorate of 11,265, but not a single ballot was cast throughout the day, leading to it being dubbed the 'zero-sum' story. Residents of Soura expressed their determination to exercise their democratic rights this time around.

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Ali Muhammad, a local from Anchar Soura, said, “We decided to come out and vote for a candidate who will address our problems. There are a plethora of issues, ranging from local concerns to those confronting Kashmir as a whole. My vote is for that.” For Javid Ahmad, a first-time voter, casting his ballot was a moral obligation.

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“I felt it was my duty to vote, as we have seen how disenfranchised Kashmir has become,” he said.

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The increased voter participation reflected the residents’ commitment to having a voice in the democratic process.

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Muhammad Shafi, another local, said, “Voting is our democratic right, and we can choose leaders who represent us. It is a powerful tool.”

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Mohsin Khan, a resident highlighted the broader significance of the high turnout. “Overall, the increased voter turnout signifies a shift towards greater participation and engagement in the democratic process in the region,” he said.

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