• Elections in three phases starting Sept 18
• Over 88 lakh voters to cast their ballot
• Says fully prepared for any situation
• 209 new polling stations setup, 200 booths relocated
• Separate queues, webcasting at all booths
Srinagar, Aug 24: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, P.K. Pole, announced on Saturday that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the implementation of comprehensive security arrangements for the upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory (UT).
“The decision to enhance security measures for the upcoming elections has been made by the MHA in response to ongoing security challenges in the region,” Pole told *Rising Kashmir*.
He emphasized that while there has been a noticeable decrease in terror incidents, the region’s security situation remains unpredictable. “Over the past 2-3 decades, J&K faced significant security challenges. Although there has been a decrease in terror incidents recently, the situation remains unpredictable,” he said.
Pole assured that meticulous security arrangements have been planned for candidates, political parties, Returning Officers, observers, and strong rooms. These measures, he said, have been coordinated with the MHA to ensure comprehensive security across the region.
Addressing concerns about potential violence, Pole noted that recent Lok Sabha elections were conducted without incident, expressing confidence in maintaining peace during the upcoming polls. “There will be no political violence. We are fully prepared for any situation,” he asserted.
The CEO confirmed that the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be conducted in three phases, beginning on September 18th. The first phase will cover four districts in South Kashmir and three districts in Doda, involving seven districts in total. The remaining phases will similarly involve six and seven districts, respectively.
“To ensure smooth voting, basic facilities have been set up at all polling booths,” Pole said. He added that 209 new polling stations have been established, and about 200 polling booths have had their locations changed to better serve the voters.
“Special provisions will be made for elderly voters, with separate queues for men and women, and webcasting will be implemented at every polling booth to enhance transparency,” he said. The voter population stands at approximately 88 lakh, comprising 44.89 lakh male voters, 43.13 lakh female voters, and 163 transgender voters.
Jammu and Kashmir is set to elect representatives for 90 Assembly constituencies, including 74 General, nine reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), and seven for Scheduled Castes (SC). The total number of electors in the region is 87.09 lakh, including 44.46 lakh males, 42.62 lakh females, and 169 transgender individuals. Additionally, there are 82,590 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), 73,943 very senior citizens, 2,660 centenarians, 76,092 service electors, and 3.71 lakh first-time voters.
Pole also noted that strict instructions have been issued to enforcement agencies, District Magistrates, and Superintendents of Police to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and free from any form of inducement.
This election marks the first Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir in a decade, following the last election held in 2014. The Supreme Court had earlier directed the Centre to complete the election process by September 30, 2024.
