Jammu and Kashmir Elections Scheduled

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on August 16, 2024, that Jammu and Kashmir will hold assembly elections in three phases. The first phase is set for September 18, followed by the second phase on September 25, and the final phase on October 1. Vote counting is scheduled for October 4.

During a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar noted that security has been tightened in the region ahead of these elections. This is significant, as it’s the first time in a decade that elections are being conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, with the last assembly polls taking place in 2014.

According to the ECI, there are approximately 87.09 lakh eligible voters across 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. Of these, about 3.71 lakh are first-time voters. Kumar expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming elections, mentioning a recent boost in voter interest.

The Supreme Court had previously directed that assembly elections should be held before September 2024. In the last assembly elections in 2014, the BJP won 25 seats, while the PDP secured 28 seats, and other parties like the Congress and National Conference made up the rest.

In a related update, Haryana will also conduct its assembly elections on October 1, coinciding with the third phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir. The counting of votes for both regions will happen on October 4.