Jammu and Kashmir Elections: Record Voter Turnout in Final Phase
The third and final phase of polling in the seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir concluded peacefully on Tuesday with a record voter turnout of 65.58% till 7 pm, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The results are scheduled to be announced on October 8.
Voter Turnout by District
| District | Turnout Percentage |
|---|---|
| Udhampur | 72.91% |
| Samba | 72.41% |
| Kathua | 70.53% |
| Jammu | 66.79% |
| Bandipora | 64.85% |
| Kupwara | 62.76% |
| Baramulla | 55.73% |
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar stated that the elections marked a significant deepening of democracy in the region. He dedicated the elections to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging their determination and belief in the democratic process.
The elections saw a notable increase in voter turnout in areas previously known for low participation. Pulwama AC saw a 12.97% increase, Zainapora AC in Shopian saw a 9.52% increase, and Eidgah AC in Srinagar registered a 9.16% increase compared to the 2014 elections.
Special polling stations were set up for Kashmiri Migrant voters in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. In phase-3, 40 Assembly constituencies across 7 districts saw polling at 5060 polling stations. A total of 415 candidates, including 387 men and 28 women, contested in this phase.
Phase-1 and Phase-2 saw polling percentages of 61.38% and 57.31% respectively. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8.
Doubts Revealed
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Voter Turnout -: Voter turnout means the percentage of people who actually go and vote in an election out of all the people who are allowed to vote.
Udhampur -: Udhampur is a district in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. It had the highest number of people voting in this election.
Chief Election Commissioner -: The Chief Election Commissioner is the head of the Election Commission of India, which is responsible for conducting elections in the country. Rajiv Kumar is the current Chief Election Commissioner.
Democracy -: Democracy is a system of government where people choose their leaders by voting in elections.
Kashmiri Migrants -: Kashmiri Migrants are people from Kashmir who have moved to other places, often because of conflict or other issues in their home region.
Polling Stations -: Polling stations are places where people go to cast their votes during an election.