Srinagar, Sept 25: A high-level delegation of foreign diplomats from various countries visited Kashmir to observe the election process during the second phase of the Assembly Elections. The diplomats, representing nations such as the USA, Mexico, South Korea, Guyana, Panama, Singapore, and others, travelled to polling stations across the region to review the smooth conduct of voting and assess the arrangements made by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The delegation visited polling stations in Ompora (Budgam), as well as several locations in Amira Kadal and SP College, Chinar Bagh, within the Lal Bagh constituency. These visits allowed them to witness firsthand the functioning of the electoral process in a region often in the international spotlight.
A key highlight of their visit was a special pink polling station at SP College, managed entirely by women. These stations are aimed at encouraging women’s participation in the electoral process. Interestingly, some of the polling stations they visited had recorded very low voter turnout during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, the diplomats expressed optimism about the progress made in this election, praising the organized and peaceful environment they encountered.
Jorgen Andrews, a diplomat from the USA, expressed his delight at witnessing the electoral process in Kashmir. “It’s a rare opportunity to come to Kashmir and see democracy at work in such a significant part of India’s elections. Everything seems well organized and professional. It’s an exciting exercise, and we are pleased to learn more about how Indian democracy functions,” he said.
Janice L, a diplomat from the Embassy of Panama in India, was impressed by the number of women turning out to vote. “It’s inspiring to see so many women participating in the democratic process. I encourage all women here to continue their engagement in elections. We’re just observers, but it’s great to see such active participation,” she noted.
An African diplomat, visiting Kashmir for the first time, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to witness the polling stations in action. “It’s a privilege to be invited by the Ministry of External Affairs to visit Jammu and Kashmir and see the electoral process first-hand. The region is beautiful, and it’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the people casting their votes,” he said.
The Korean diplomat in the delegation highlighted the vibrancy and energy at the polling stations. “I see vibrant enthusiasm; this is democracy in action. The polling stations are well organized, and it was heart-warming to see children accompanying their parents to observe the process. It’s great that they are learning about democracy from a young age,” he remarked.
Deo from Tanzania echoed similar sentiments, stating, “People are excited to vote, bringing their children to learn about the democratic process. These children will grow up to be informed voters because they are learning about democracy early on. This is fascinating; I’ve never seen this practice before.”
The Singaporean diplomat commented on the organization of the polling process, noting its similarities to Singapore. “The organization is very similar to what we have in Singapore, where government buildings serve as polling stations for accessibility. We are grateful to the Ministry of External Affairs for organizing this visit to witness the process in progress,” the diplomat stated.
Meanwhile, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah criticized the Centre for inviting foreign diplomats to observe the ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, labeling it an “internal matter” of India. He questioned the necessity of foreign observers, stating, “We do not need their certificate.”
Abdullah accused the Centre of attempting to take credit for the people’s participation in the elections, which he asserted was occurring despite the government’s efforts to “humiliate and harass” the people of J&K over the past six to seven years. He highlighted the disparity in allowing foreign diplomats while denying access to foreign journalists, calling it a “betrayal.”
