South Kashmir, Chenab Valley vote in historic numbers

Jammu, Sep 18: Highest voter turnout i.e., 77.23 percent was registered in Kishtwar district while Pulwama district witnessed the lowest poll percentage i.e., 46.03 percent.

Inderwal assembly segment recorded the highest poll percentage i.e., 80.06 percent and Tral registered lowest voter turnout i.e., 40.58 percent.

“This is a tentative percentage, which is likely to go up. Overall polling percentage is around 59 percent. Fractional increase is anticipated also due to postal ballots, which are counted on the last day,” he said, while addressing a press conference after the culmination of the first phase of polling.

He stated that there were stray incidents of arguments between supporters of different candidates inside polling stations which were timely addressed and resolved. “But not a single incident was recorded where repoll was required to be ordered,” he said.

The CEO said, “The number of assembly segments and their territorial extent have witnessed discernible change after delimitation so for comparison purposes, we have taken the district as a unit instead of an assembly constituency as a unit. Earlier some constituencies were spread in two districts e.g., erstwhile Reasi constituency was spread in Reasi and Udhampur districts and Inderwal constituency was spread in Inderwal and Doda districts.” “Similarly Devsar constituency was spread in Kulgam and Anantnag districts. But it is not so after delimitation, generally speaking,” he said, while sharing a tentative poll percentage.

As per statistics (till 6.00 pm) shared by CEO, Kishtwar district recorded 77.23 poll percentage; Pulwama 46.03 percent, which is higher than voter turnout recorded in LS polls of 2024.

“Important point is during the last seven elections i.e., 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024 LS polls and 2008, 2014 and 2024 assembly elections, this (today’s) poll percentage (2024 assembly elections) is the highest. Shopian too recorded the highest polling percent i.e., 53.64 percent, during the last seven elections. Kishtwar (77.23) has also recorded the highest polling percentage (during last seven elections) while Doda (69.33 percent) and Ramban (67.71 percent) have registered the second highest polling percentage since 2008,” he informed.

Anantnag (54.17 percent) and Kulgam (61.57 percent) have also registered the second highest poll percentage since 2008. “Pulwama and Shopian districts, which used to witness low percentage in the past, also saw brisk polling. People enthusiastically participated in the poll process,” he said.

Assembly segment wise, Pampore recorded 44.78; Tral 40.58 percent; Pulwama 50.04 percent; Rajpora 48.07 percent; Zainpora 52.64 percent; Shopian 54.72 percent; Damhal Hanjipora 68 percent; Kulgam 62.70 percent; Devsar 57.30 percent; Dooru 57.90 percent; Kokernag 58 percent; Anantnag West 45.93 percent; Anantnag 41.58 percent; Srigufwara-Bijbehara 56.02 percent; Shangus-Anantnag East 53.50 percent; Pahalgam 67. 86 percent; Inderwal 80.06 percent; Kishtwar 75.04 percent; Padder Nagseni 76.80 percent; Bhaderwah 67 percent; Doda 70.1 percent; Doda West 74.14 percent; Ramban 67.34 percent and Banihal 68 percent.

CEO asserted that the purpose of comparative statistics vis-à-vis poll percentage was for “generic understanding” only.

He asserted, “The performance builds on the trend witnessed during the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir which saw a voter turnout of 58.58 percent at polling stations, highest in the last 35 years.”

Sharing statistics, CEO said, “In four districts of South Kashmir, which went to polls today, the poll percentage used to be very low in almost all previous elections. Certain elections even witnessed single digit poll percentage. In Lok Sabha polls in 2024, this poll percentage spiralled up. Pulwama witnessed 41 percent polling and it was around 56 percent in Anantnag. Overall, (Kashmir) valley had recorded 52 percent poll percentage in LS polls.”

“First phase of three-phase J&K assembly elections announced by the ECI on August 16, 2024, culminated today in 24 assembly constituencies, spread in seven districts. 16 assembly constituencies were in Kashmir division while 8 constituencies were in Jammu division. So, the first phase cumulative (tentative) percentage of voter turnout in all 7 districts of Kashmir and Jammu division is 58.85 percent. We believe, in all probability, this poll percentage in the next two phases will go up,” he said.

It’s because in the first phase, there were areas which traditionally witnessed low poll percentage in the previous elections, Pole said. “Comparatively, even this (today’s) poll percentage has registered an increase. The first and the foremost reason is the improved situation and absence of any fear among voters. People have understood that for peace and development, the ballot is only medium and there can be no option to it. That was why people enthusiastically participated in Lok Sabha polls and ongoing assembly elections are also witnessing the same exuberance,” CEO asserted.

Secondly, he stated, the candidates and political parties too played an important part in this connection by mobilising voters with stimulating campaigning, leading to increased voting percentage. “Third reason is awareness programmes in the form of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) by ECI for ensuring a peaceful, fair, transparent and ethical election process,” he said.

Responding to a specific query about harassment allegations of a woman candidate, the CEO said that senior police officers were present at the spot. “Concerned DC took cognizance and resolved the issue,” he said.

“Since ECI is the statutory and constitutional body to conduct elections, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu closely monitored each and every aspect of the poll process from the very beginning and wherever necessary gave directions for ensuring peaceful polls,” Pole said.

He stated that meticulous preparations, clear directions and strong security measures were in place creating a conducive environment for voters to cast their vote without fear or intimidation.

He said that voters from all sections of society responded to the ‘call of democracy’ wholeheartedly, reaffirming the confidence expressed by CEC Rajiv Kumar during the announcement of assembly elections that people of J&K would give a befitting reply to the nefarious forces attempting to disrupt the electoral process. Long queues of voters at the polling stations showcased the entire world, the deep trust and confidence of the people of J&K in the democratic exercise.

Polling was held across 3276 Polling Stations established in 24 ACs spanning 7 districts namely, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban and Doda.

A total of 219 candidates were in the electoral fray in the first phase of which 9 were women candidates.

“Young and women voters shone bright at the polling stations, a testament to the deepening and embrace of democracy in J&K. Their enthusiasm to cast their vote is an emphatic response in favour of the ballot against boycotts and violence,” Pole said.

According to him, along with webcasting in all polling stations, 32 Central observers kept a vigilant eye on the election process on the ground, ensuring no disruptions to the electoral process.

Kashmiri migrant voters were also empowered to exercise their franchise through 24 Special Polling Stations setup in Jammu (19), Udhampur (1) and Delhi (4). Earlier, the Commission had eased the process for Kashmiri migrant voters by abolishing the cumbersome Form-M and enabling self-certification.

Home-voting facility, introduced for the first time in Assembly elections in J&K saw democracy being taken to the doorsteps of those who are bound by physical limitations.

Many voters aged above 85 years and PwDs with 40 percent benchmark disability opted to vote from the comfort of their homes, while those who visited polling stations were greeted with warmth and all assured minimum facilities.

“As part of ECI’s commitment to make the voting experience pleasant and memorable, Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF’s) like drinking water, electricity, toilet, ramp, furniture, adequate shelter, helpdesk, wheel chair & volunteers amongst others were provided at all Polling Stations. One polling station each, exclusively managed by women and PwDs, was set up in every AC for giving a comfortable voting experience,” he said.

The elections were also truly participative and encompassing in nature as reflected in the data on cVIGIL usage.

He said, “Since the start of the elections and till September 18, 2024, 355 complaints against electoral malpractices were disposed of with a disposal rate of 98.3 percent, which reduced campaign clutter and noise. The Suvidha platform has ensured transparent and timely approval of 4458 requests ahead of phase 1, by political parties and candidates for seeking permissions for rallies, grounds, halls, etc.”

“The Commission in its resolve to ensure that no voter is left behind, ensured that Polling Stations are accessible even in remote corners of Jammu and Kashmir and even quiet villages were brought into the fold of the democratic exercise,” he said.

In one such village in Dhadkai, famed as the “Silent Village”, the PwD voters with speech and hearing impairment made their voice heard loud and clear with their votes at Polling Station 195 Kuthyara in Bhaderwah AC, district Doda.

While taking a facilitative approach to the legitimate requests of candidates and political parties, the Commission firmly cracked down on illegitimate means to sway voters, Pole said.

Powered by technology and intelligence based targeted action, EC’s persistent efforts for an inducement-free elections, led to seizures worth Rs 124.3 Cr in J&K as on September 18, 2024, with firm crackdown on supply and distribution of drugs and narcotics which recorded seizures worth Rs 107.9 Cr.

“Freebies amounting to over Rs 15 Cr have also been seized. Enforcement Agencies are intensifying efforts to curb the menace of money power in the upcoming phases also,” he said.

“The provisional voter turnout figures of 58.85 percent as of 7.30 pm will continue to be updated AC wise on the Voter Turnout App by the ROs, as and when the polling parties formally close the poll and return from the polling stations based on the geographical or logistical conditions and after scrutiny of statutory papers and consideration of repolls, if any,” he informed.

Polling for the second and third phase will be held on September 25 and October 1, 2024 respectively. Counting of votes is scheduled on October 8, 2024.

Additional CEO, J&K; Joint CEO, Deputy CEO besides other senior officers accompanied CEO in the presser.

Pole stated that the Election Commission was very prompt in addressing election related issues raised on social media throughout the day.