Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024: High Voter Turnout and Key Highlights

The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, held in three phases from September 18 to October 1, 2024, have concluded with a significant and encouraging voter turnout. This election marks the first assembly polls in the Union Territory in 10 years, following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Voter Turnout and Participation

The voter turnout in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections was robust across all three phases. The first phase, held on September 18, saw a turnout of 61.38%, while the second phase on September 25 recorded a turnout of 57.31%. The final phase on October 1 witnessed the highest turnout at 69.69%. Overall, the elections logged a total voter turnout of 63.88%.

The high voter participation is seen as a positive sign of faith in democracy, especially in the Kashmir Valley, which recorded a significant increase in voter turnout compared to previous elections. For instance, the Baramulla constituency saw a turnout of 59.10%, Srinagar recorded 38.49%, and Anantnag-Rajouri had a turnout of 55.40%.

Security and Electoral Process

To ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the elections, extensive security arrangements were put in place. The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Jammu zone, Anand Jain, emphasized that adequate measures were taken to ensure 'terror-free and peaceful' polling across the seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The elections also saw the participation of West Pakistani refugees from the Valmiki Samaj and Gorkha communities, who gained voting rights in the Assembly, urban local bodies, and panchayat elections after the abrogation of Article 370. This marked a significant milestone in their electoral participation.

Exit Polls and Election Results

The exit poll results for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be released on October 5, after the conclusion of voting in Haryana. According to the Election Commission guidelines, the publication or broadcast of exit poll results is restricted until 6 PM on October 5 to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

The final results of the elections are scheduled to be declared on October 8. The elections saw a total of 90 seats being contested, with major parties like the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party, and the Bharatiya Janata Party vying for power.

For more detailed information on the electoral process and results, you can refer to the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election page.

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