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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the dates for the first Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Despite security challenges, the elections will be held in three phases, marking the shortest election period in the region over the last three decades. The polling will begin on 18 September and conclude on 1 October.


Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, made the announcement during a press conference in New Delhi. These elections will enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to elect a new government after nearly a decade, with the last Assembly elections held in late 2014.


The election process will be conducted in three phases: voting in 24 seats during the first phase, 26 seats in the second phase, and 40 seats in the final phase. The results are scheduled to be declared on 4 October.


This announcement comes in response to a Supreme Court directive mandating that Assembly elections be held by 30 September. The gazette notification for the first phase will be issued on 20 August, with candidates allowed to file nominations until 27 August. Similar timelines will follow for the subsequent phases.


Political Reactions


Political parties have welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need for the Election Commission to ensure free, fair, and secure elections.


National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah hinted at his party's readiness to contest the elections but expressed doubts about forming a pre-poll alliance with other parties. Addressing the media, he made it clear that there would be no alliances with those who have previously targeted his party politically. He also voiced concerns over recent administrative transfers in the region, suggesting they might be politically motivated. Despite his earlier stance that he would not participate in the elections until statehood was restored, Abdullah indicated that he might contest due to pressure from his party and his ailing father’s insistence.


The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also welcomed the election announcement but criticized the delay in holding the elections and questioned their fairness. In a press conference, Iltija Mufti, political advisor to Mehbooba Mufti, expressed concerns over the prolonged absence of a democratic process in the region, which she described as leading to widespread suffering under "bureaucratic dictatorship." She questioned why the electoral process in Kashmir had been "blown out of proportion" and stressed that elections are a fundamental aspect of a democracy, not a favor to the people.


Iltija also raised doubts about the fairness of the upcoming elections, citing recent administrative transfers just before the election announcement. When asked about potential pre-poll alliances, she stated that the decision would be up to the party. Regarding Mehbooba Mufti's participation, Iltija confirmed that while Mufti would be the face of the election, it remains undecided whether she will personally contest.


 


CPI-M leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami said that the Election Commission assured political parties of a level playing field and expressed satisfaction over the security situation. "All parties including us believed that a vacuum was created in J&K due to no elections for the last 10 years...With the announcement of elections, now there is new hope building in people..." said Tarigami.


Chairman of Democratic Progressive Azad Party, Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "We welcome the announcement of elections. I thank the government and Election Commission. We hope it will be a free and fair election. We also hope the security of voters, candidates and party leaders will be taken care of...Right now what is important is that people are getting a chance to elect their representative after nearly 10 years."


National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah demanded that the Central government should restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.