Simplified Permissions Streamline J&K Assembly Polls Process

The election authorities have simplified permissions for political parties and candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The majority of permissions are now handled by returning officers. These measures aim to ensure smooth and transparent elections starting in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1.

In an effort to facilitate seamless and transparent Assembly elections, election authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have streamlined various permissions for political parties and candidates, an official confirmed on Wednesday.

The majority of these permissions have been delegated to the returning officers. Jammu and Kashmir, which has 90 assembly seats, is set to begin polling in three phases: on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the vote counting scheduled for October 4. Notably, these will be the first elections in the region since it was downgraded to a Union Territory in August 2019 after its special status under Article 370 was revoked.

The chief electoral officer's office in J&K has circulated a detailed communication to stakeholders outlining the types of permissions required during the elections. Permissions under the purview of the CEO's office include vehicle permits for campaign material transport and permissions for star campaigners, among others.