Jammu and Kashmir Sees 61.13% Voter Turnout in First Phase of Assembly Elections
On September 18, the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections saw a voter turnout of 61.13%. Voting took place in 24 constituencies across seven districts, starting at 7 am. The Election Commission reported that the voting was peaceful and enthusiastic.
The Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, expressed confidence in the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who responded positively to the call of democracy. The highest voter turnout was recorded in Kishtwar district at 80.14%, while Pulwama had the lowest at 46.65%.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the voters for their participation, highlighting the strength of Indian democracy. He thanked the security forces and election officials for ensuring a peaceful election process.
This election is significant as it is the first one after the abrogation of Article 370. Various political parties, including the National Congress and Congress, are competing, with some friendly contests on certain seats. Sheikh Abdul Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party is also in the fray, adding another dimension to the elections.
The second and third phases of voting will be held on September 25 and October 1, respectively, with the votes being counted on October 8.
Doubts Revealed
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It used to be a state but is now a Union Territory.
Voter Turnout -: Voter turnout means the percentage of people who actually voted out of all the people who could vote.
Assembly Elections -: Assembly elections are when people vote to choose their representatives in the state or Union Territory government.
Constituencies -: Constituencies are areas that elect one representative to the assembly. Think of them like different parts of a city or state.
Districts -: Districts are larger areas that include several constituencies. They are like big regions within a state or Union Territory.
Kishtwar -: Kishtwar is a district in Jammu and Kashmir. It had the highest voter turnout in this election phase.
Pulwama -: Pulwama is another district in Jammu and Kashmir. It had the lowest voter turnout in this election phase.
Lieutenant Governor -: The Lieutenant Governor is the person who represents the central government in a Union Territory. Manoj Sinha is the current Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
Article 370 -: Article 370 was a special law that gave Jammu and Kashmir more autonomy than other states. It was removed in 2019.
Political Parties -: Political parties are groups of people who have similar ideas about how the government should work. They compete in elections to gain power.
Independents -: Independents are people who run in elections without being part of any political party.
