The third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections recorded a voter turnout of 65.5% as of 5 pm, with Udhampur constituency leading the polls with 72.91% voter participation, while Baramulla lagged behind with the lowest at 55.73%.
This phase marks a significant political milestone as Jammu and Kashmir holds its first assembly elections after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped the region of its special status.
Strong Voter Participation Across Constituencies
In this final phase, a total of 40 constituencies went to the polls, with 24 in the Jammu division and the remaining 16 in the Kashmir valley. Udhampur stood out with a remarkable 72.91% voter turnout, followed closely by Samba with 72.41%, Kathua with 70.53%, and Jammu with 66.79%. The Kashmir region, however, saw lower participation, with Bandipora recording 63.33%, and Baramulla the lowest at 55.73%.
The first two phases of voting had already seen considerable voter engagement, with the first phase on September 18 recording 61.13% turnout and the second phase on September 25 registering 56.31%. The steady rise in turnout figures in the third phase signals a notable interest in the elections, reflecting the aspirations of the people in shaping the future governance of Jammu and Kashmir.
Polling began early at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm. As many as 3.9 million voters are eligible to cast their votes across 5,060 polling stations in this phase. Voting spanned across seven districts in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a critical phase in this long-awaited election process.
Election Guidelines and Exit Poll Restrictions
As per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, the publication or broadcast of exit poll results related to the Jammu and Kashmir elections is strictly prohibited until after 6 pm on October 5.
The ECI issued a statement reiterating that exit poll predictions, whether by media outlets, polling agencies, or individuals, must adhere to this restriction to ensure a fair and unbiased election process.
This directive underscores the importance of maintaining electoral integrity and preventing any undue influence that might affect the voters’ decisions. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) emphasized that any violation of these guidelines would attract legal action as per the provisions of the Act.
The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8, and the results will determine the political future of Jammu and Kashmir as it transitions to a full-fledged Union Territory.
Key Political Figures and Constituencies in the Fray
The third phase of the elections involves a wide array of political heavyweights whose fates are hanging in the balance. Among them are former Deputy Chief Ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Baig, alongside former ministers Taj Mohiuddin, Raman Bhalla, Basharat Bukhari, and Sajad Lone.
These veteran leaders are vying for control in what has become a multi-cornered contest, with significant political implications for the region’s future governance.
The National Conference and Congress have formed an alliance in their bid for power, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stand as the other major contenders. The 90 seats at stake in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are crucial for determining the political dynamics in the region, especially after the abrogation of Article 370.
The Jammu division saw intense competition with 24 constituencies in the fray, including key areas such as Udhampur West, Jammu East, Kathua, and Samba. In the Kashmir region, critical constituencies such as Baramulla, Bandipora, Sopore, and Kupwara also went to the polls, with the region’s political balance potentially shifting based on the results of these elections.
Looking Forward to the Election Results
With the third phase of voting nearing its end, political analysts and party leaders are eagerly awaiting the final voter turnout figures and the results that will be declared on October 8.
This election, which is the first in Jammu and Kashmir in a decade, holds historic significance, especially as the region continues to adjust to its new political status following the August 2019 constitutional changes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon young voters and women to participate actively in the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of their role in shaping the region’s political future. His appeal to voters reflects the broader sentiment that these elections will mark a pivotal moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s political evolution.
The conclusion of the third phase is expected to bring much-needed clarity regarding the electoral preferences of the people in both Jammu and Kashmir. The voter turnout in this phase is seen as a strong indicator of the public’s engagement with the democratic process and their desire to contribute to the region’s governance.
As the Union Territory braces itself for the results, all eyes are on the key constituencies and political leaders who will shape the post-election landscape. Regardless of the outcome, this election represents a significant step towards normalcy and political stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
