J&K polls to be announced after final security assessment confirms CEC

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Friday said that Election Commision of India (ECI) was committed to hold elections at earliest in J&K and no disruptive forces will be allowed in democratic process. 

CEC Rajiv Kumar said that the time has come for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to get an elected government through assembly elections. He declared that the exact dates would not be disclosed until after New Delhi had completed a final security assessment.

The CEC emphasized that the ECI was committed to preventing both internal and external forces from interfering with the election process. On Thursday, the three election officials left Srinagar on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Voter turnout in Lok Sabha Polls

Reviewing the cooperation of voters in Lok Sabha Elections, J&K saw a record of 58%  voter turnout in the polls. CEC praised people for their enthusiasm and festivities observed in April-May this year. 

He stated that J&K voters have raised the bar for the ECI. He said that the voter turnout has set a new standard in J&K. The challenge is to take it further that the foundation set by the people of J&K needs to be reinforced with a structure of optimism.

First Election after the abrogation of Article 370

In its verdict on the provisions of Article 370 in December last year, the Supreme Court said that the election should be held in J&K by September 30, 2024. J&K last had assembly elections in 2014, and as of 2018, it is governed by the Central government. During their discussion with the ECI, all parties were asked to follow the deadline set by the SC for elections.

This is the first election after the abrogation of Article 370 and the downgrading and bifurcation of erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories.

Date announcement after Amarnath Yatra

Mr. Kumar did, however, imply that the dates will be made public in J&K once the Amarnath yatra concluded. “By August 20, the final electoral rolls will be published and distributed to the political parties,” stated Kumar. Nomadic voters’ participation will also be taken into account.

During their meeting with the Election Commission on Thursday in Srinagar, nine political parties pressed for the holding of assembly elections at earliest. 

Poll Preparedness

He declared that a significant campaign against alcohol and drug abuse will begin in J&K.  “Within an hour, the district magistrate will take action in response to false information and derogatory narratives. Online fake news should never be allowed to spread, according to Chief Election Commissioner.

On Friday, the Commission examined the situation and poll readiness with the UT Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Director General of Police R R Swain.

For the convenience of the voters, he said, the Commission has directed the authorities to erect polling places every two kilometers. There will be CCTV monitoring at every polling place.