Election Commission to Begin Assembly Polls in Jammu and Kashmir

The Election Commission announced plans to start the assembly election process in Jammu and Kashmir soon, following impressive voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections. This will be their first assembly election since the abrogation of Article 370 and the geographical reorganization of the region.

The Election Commission (EC) announced on Monday that it will soon commence the process of holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, addressing a press conference, expressed enthusiasm over the voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections, reflecting the eagerness of the people to engage in the democratic process.

"We will very soon start the process of assembly elections in J&K. We are very enthused. It is one of the most satisfying moments," the CEC stated.

The Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir saw a voter turnout of 58.58%, the highest in four decades, with 51.05% turnout in the Kashmir valley seats.

Kumar mentioned that holding simultaneous assembly and parliamentary elections in the region was impractical due to logistical and security challenges when he announced the Lok Sabha election schedule in March.

The upcoming assembly elections will be the first since the August 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the state into two union territories.

Typically spread over a month, the electoral process has seen a delimitation exercise increase the number of assembly seats from 83 to 90, excluding those designated for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

In December, the Supreme Court mandated the poll panel to organize the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30.