The First Phase of assembly elections in J&K recorded a voter turnout of 61% by 11:30 PM on September 18, as per the Election Commission of India. According to Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Pole, it has had the highest voter turnout in the past seven elections. This figure is expected to surge as more data comes in from remote polling stations.

As per the reports by the poll panel, the highest voter turnout was observed in the Inderwal constituency, which saw about 82% participation. Following closely was the Kishtwar constituency, with a turnout of approximately 78%.

What Was the Context of The First Election That Took Place?

The election marks the first assembly polling in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in ten years, with the last assembly election held in 2018. This phase of voting is part of a three-phase assembly election process, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Polling In the First Phase of J&K Assembly Elections

The polling took place in 24 assembly constituencies in the first phase, distributed across seven districts, including 16 in the Kashmir region and eight in the Jammu region. The elections have been conducted peacefully, marking an important development in the Union territory.

What were the Voting Hours for the First Phase?

As per the Election Commission of India, the voting hours for the first phase began at 7 AM and continued until 6 pm. A total of 219 candidates contested in the first phase with 23,27,580 eligible voters to cast their votes on the ballots.

Past-Assembly Elections Background

In the 2014 assembly elections, the People Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti, daughter of Former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed secured 11 of the 24 seats this time. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress each won four seats, while the National Conference (NC) led by Farooq Abdullah and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) had one seat each.

Approximately 14,000 polling staff are managing the election process at 3,276 polling stations during the first phase of the assembly elections.

Which are the Key Constituencies in J&K Assembly Elections?

The constituencies that took place in the first phase of the assembly elections and voted on September 18 include:

In South Kashmir

• Tral
• Pulwama
• Rajpora
• Zainapora
• Shopian
• DH Pora
• Kulgam
• Devsar
• Dooru
• Kokernag (ST)
• Anantnag West
• Anantnag
• Srigufwara-Bijbehara
• Shangus-Anantnag East
• Pahalgam

These constituencies in South Kashmir have a history of militancy.

In Jammu Region

• Inderwal
• Kishtwar
• Padder-Nagseni
• Bhadarwah
• Doda
• Doda West
• Ramban
• Banihal

These constituencies in the Jammu region also voted in this phase on Wednesday.

Upcoming Phases of J&K Assembly Election

Phase 2 of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election will be held on September 25, 2024, in these constituencies:

• In Kupwara District: Karnah, Trehgam, Kupwara, Lolab, Handwara, Langate
• In Baramulla District: Sopore, Rafiabad, Uri, Baramulla, Gulmarg, Wagoora–Kreeri, Pattan
• In Bandipora District: Sonawari, Bandipora, Gurez (ST)
• In Ganderbal District: Kangan (ST), Ganderbal
• In Budgam District: Budgam, Beerwah, Khan Sahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora

Phase 3 of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election will be held on October 1, 2024, in these constituencies:

• In Srinagar District: Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habba Kadal, Lal Chowk, Chanapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng
• In Reasi District: Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi
• In Udhampur District: Udhampur West, Udhampur East, Chenani, Ramnagar (SC)
• In Kathua District: Bani, Billawar, Basohli, Jasrota, Kathua (SC), Hiranagar
• In Samba District: Ramgarh (SC), Samba, Vijaypur
• In Jammu District: Bishnah (SC), Suchetgarh (SC), R. S. Pura–Jammu South, Bahu, Jammu East, Nagrota, Jammu West, Jammu North, Marh (SC), Akhnoor (SC), Chhamb
• In Rajouri District: Kalakote–Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST)
• In Poonch District: Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, Mendhar (ST)

The results of the votes for the J& K assembly elections will be counted on October 4, 2024.