ECI begins prep for J&K Assembly Polls

Srinagar, June 21:The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This process, which includes the updation of electoral rolls, has also begun in Haryana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra, which are all slated to hold elections this year.
On Friday, the ECI announced that July 1, 2024, will be the qualifying date for the updation of electoral rolls.
In its order to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of J&K UT, the ECI specified that the final date for the publication of electoral rolls is set for August 20, 2024.
Given these details, it is anticipated that the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will likely be held by October. The finalization of electoral rolls by August 20 will pave the way for the ECI to issue the official notification for elections, suggesting that the polls will probably occur around October this year.
The qualifying date is crucial as it determines the number of voters on a specified date in the state or UT. The ECI has also instructed the CEOs to ensure there are no discrepancies in the Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) and to eliminate any multiple entries that could cause voter confusion.
Prime Minister NarendraModi recently stated that assembly elections would soon take place in Jammu and Kashmir, with plans underway to restore statehood to the UT. Following the delimitation process, the number of assembly seats in J&K has increased from 83 to 90.
In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the poll panel to conduct assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30.
The ECI also announced that pre-updation activities would begin on June 25. These activities include setting up or rationalizing polling stations in locations that are most convenient for electors, particularly in group housing societies, slums, and rural areas.
This preparatory phase aims to ensure a smooth and efficient electoral process, facilitating voter participation and upholding the integrity of the election.