| In Short |
| · First Assembly Election in 10 Years: Jammu and Kashmir is holding its first legislative assembly election since 2014 and the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 |
| · Polling Phases and Voter Turnout: The election is divided into three phases. The first phase covers 24 constituencies across seven districts, with high voter turnout observed early on |
| · Key Issues: Restoration of statehood is a significant issue for voters, as many hope the election will lead to greater political autonomy |
| · Prominent Candidates: Candidates from major parties like National Conference (NC), Congress, PDP, and BJP are competing, along with a notable number of independent candidates |
| · Security Measures: Over 14,000 security personnel are deployed to ensure peaceful voting in a region known for its political volatility |
For the first time since Article 370 was abrogated in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir is set to witness historic assembly elections. The 2024 elections, after a decade, are monumental because it would give an opportunity to the electorate who would be able to elect representatives and regain a little political autonomy in a region that had been restructured as a Union Territory in 2019. The stakes are high with 23 lakh eligible voters, including youth and first-time voters, decreeing the fate of 219 candidates.
The Context: Post-Article 370 Elections
For the first time, residents will vote for a legislative assembly in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, since Article 370 provided special status to the erstwhile state. On August 5, 2019, the central government bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, thus giving a new turn to the national debate and increasing political uncertainty in the region.
Polling in Phases Under Strict Security Arrangements
The three-phase voting was organized in such a manner that it would allow smooth administration as well as adequate security. In the first phase, polling was conducted on September 18, 2024, that covered 24 assembly constituencies. Among these constituencies, 16 were from the Kashmir division and eight constituencies from the Jammu region. Security arrangements for the polls had been tightened keeping in view the volatile scenario in the region.
Major constituencies of this period are Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley as well as Kishtwar, Ramban, and Banihal in Jammu
High Voter Turnout: A New Era of Democracy
There is much enthusiasm in voters. Long queues were also seen outside polling booths early today, as they said they were excited to take part in the first democratic exercise after a gap of 10 years. The turnout so far indicates a huge public interest despite security issues and turbulent political history of the region. Election officials said that during the first hours, an 11% turnout was registered with more people turning up as the day advanced.
It is for them a “festival of democracy,” a real election at last, which may allow them even a semblance of choosing their local representatives and regain some modicum of self-rule. Most of the voters quoted restoration of statehood as one of the most potent reasons for casting their ballot
Key Contestants and Local Politics
Among the prime contestants in Kashmir are CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, a seasoned politician from Kulgam, and Ghulam Ahmad Mir of the Congress who is contesting from Anantnag
In Jammu, candidates like Sunil Sharma and Shakti Raj Parihar are being fielded by the BJP in Doda and Kishtwar districts, which come under crucial constituencies. The National Conference, Congress, and People’s Democratic Party have also fielded candidates in these seats and the impact of contestants like Sajjad Kitchloo, Iltija Mufti, and Sartaj Madni would be crucial in their respective areas.
The entry of several independents added an interesting dimension to the political landscape. Almost 40% of candidates in the first phase are independents, showing a shift in voter sentiments toward nonparty-affiliated leadership.
Security Measures and Polling Logistics
In addition to this, as the region has seen quite a history of unrest, security remains at the very top of the priority list. The figure above is going to be deployed across 3,276 polling stations so that the whole process of voting goes fairly and peacefully. The government is also putting emphasis on accessibility by making special arrangements for disabled voters and the elderly
Restoration of Statehood: The Core Issue
Restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is one of the contentious issues that come to voters’ minds. The downgrading of the status from the 2019 decision to Union Territory status continues to be a hot political debate; every local party makes promises on sending the status back to being a state if elected in the polls. BJP, Congress, and others have responded on this issue thus making it one of the many debated issues during the campaign.
All of the nation’s eyes are set on Jammu and Kashmir as it conducts its first assembly elections as a Union Territory. While elections are a process through which political representatives will be chosen, they also mark an important step towards re-gaining the political status, which should at the same time try to address the long-pending issues of governance, development, and identity of the region. Turnout and engagement so far indicate that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are now prepared to embrace change and seize their own destiny in a post-article 370 world.
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