After a gap of ten years, Jammu and Kashmir is set to witness a crucial democratic exercise as 24 constituencies from seven districts will vote in the first phase of the three-phase Assembly elections. The elections, taking place in the Union Territory (UT), mark a significant political milestone. Prominent districts participating in the vote include Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam in the Kashmir division, as well as Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar in the Jammu division.
This phase of the elections features 219 candidates vying for legislative seats, with over 23.27 lakh voters set to participate. Polling will be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm amidst heightened security arrangements to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process.
Key Constituencies and Candidates
The Kashmir division holds 16 of the 24 constituencies, including Pampore, Tral, Pulwama, and Anantnag West. The Jammu division, on the other hand, features eight constituencies, including Kishtwar, Bhadarwah, and Ramban. Among the key political figures contesting in this phase are former J&K Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti, senior Communist leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, PDP’s Waheed Para, and Jamaat-e-Islami-backed candidate Sayar Ahmad Reshi from Kulgam.
The National Conference and Congress are contesting under a pre-poll alliance, while Jamaat-e-Islami has made a comeback after 35 years, supporting several independent candidates in the region. A “strategic pact” was also formed between Jamaat-e-Islami and Awami Ittehad Party, led by MP Engineer Rashid.
Voter Demographics and Arrangements
Out of the total electorate of 23,27,580 voters, 11.76 lakh are men, 11.51 lakh are women, and 60 are from the third gender. A notable feature of this election is the inclusion of 5.66 lakh voters in the 18-29 age bracket, with 1.23 lakh voters aged between 18 and 19 years.
The state election commission has established 3,276 polling stations, with 24 Pink Polling Stations to be managed exclusively by women. Special polling booths will also be dedicated to differently-abled individuals, youth, and environmental conservation efforts through 24 “Green Polling Stations.”
The election will decide the fate of 64 candidates in Anantnag, 45 in Pulwama, 27 in Doda, 25 in Kulgam, 22 in Kishtwar, 21 in Shopian, and 15 in Ramban, making this a highly competitive electoral battle across the region.
This historic election, spread across three phases, holds great significance as Jammu and Kashmir returns to electoral politics after years of political uncertainty. The results of this phase will pave the way for the next steps in the region’s democratic process.
