Third phase breaks record, registers over 65% voting: ECI

Srinagar, Oct 01: The Election Commission of India (ECI) today said that the phase-3 polls in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory today saw the record turn out of over 65 per cent (tentative figure) polling breaking the records of previous two phases held on September 18 and September 25.

The first phase of Assembly elections held in J&K recorded 61 per cent voting and second phase saw a slight dip at 59.13 per cent.

As per the data released by the ECI, the provisional voter turnout figures suggest that phase three recorded 65.58% voting till 7 PM and the figure 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/logistical conditions and after scrutiny of statutory papers and consideration of repolls.

As per the Assembly constituency wise turnout, Akhnoor (SC): 76.28 %, .Bahu: 57.07 %, .Bandipora: 62.00 %, Bani:71.24 %, Baramulla:47.95 %, Basohli:67.24 %, Billawar: 69.64 %, Bishnah (SC):72.75%, .Chenani:73.79%, Chhamb:77.35%, Gulmarg:64.19%, Gurez (ST):75.89%, Handwara:69.06%, .Hiranagar:71.18%, .Jammu east:60.21%, Jammu north:60.79%, Jammu west:56.31%, .Jasrota:71.79%, Karnah:66.30%, Kathua (SC):71.49%, Kupwara:59.68%, Langate:59.81%, Lolab:61.22%, Marh (SC):76.10%, Nagrota:72.94%, .Pattan:60.87%, .RS Pura - Jammu south:61.65%, Rafiabad:58.39%, .Ramgarh (SC):73.10%, Ramnagar (SC):70.38%, Samba:71.16%, Sonawari:65.56%, Sopore:41.44%, Suchetgarh (SC):68.02%, Trehgam:62.27%, Udhampur east:74.07%, Udhampur west:73.20%, Uri:64.81%, Vijaypur:73.05% and Wagoora-Kreeri:56.43%.

The ECI statement said that the polling for the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections concluded today in a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere. “Scenes of voters patiently waiting in lines at polling stations, set against the scenic backdrop of the region, highlighted the people's strong faith in democracy,” an official statement issued by the Election Commission of India.

“The festive mood and enthusiastic participation were evident across all districts that went for polls in three-phased elections, underscoring a renewed spirit of civic participation and hope for a new era with people deciding their own future,” the statement said. It said that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar along with ECs  Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have delivered on their promise of ensuring democratic resurgence in Jammu & Kashmir.

The voting across 40 ACs in the third and final phase which commenced at 7 AM today was held peacefully without any incidents of violence. As of 7 PM, a voter turnout of 65.58% was recorded at the polling stations.

The 2024 Assembly polls, as per ECI has  seen a 7% increase in the number of candidates contesting from assembly elections in 2014.

“The women candidates made a significant leap, increasing from 28 to 43 in the corresponding period, while independent candidates saw a 26% rise, further contributing to the expanding electoral landscape and grassroot political participation. Post delimitation exercise in J&K, for the first time in history, 9 seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in J&K resulting in a more inclusive & participative election,” the statement said. “Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) also demonstrated a remarkable 71% increase in participation from 138 in 2014 to 236 in 2024. For campaigning by various parties, a total of 330 requests were received for pre-certification of campaign content by State MCMC as compared to 27 in 2014 LA elections.” (NVI)