The final phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir concluded peacefully on Tuesday with a voter turnout of 65.58 percent across seven districts, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Polls have now ended in the Union Territory, with results expected on October 8.
Among the districts, Udhampur recorded the highest voter turnout at 72.91 percent, followed by Samba at 72.41 percent, Kathua at 70.53 percent, Jammu at 66.79 percent, Bandipora at 64.85 percent, Kupwara at 62.76 percent, and Baramulla at 55.73 percent.
In a press release, the ECI described the election process as peaceful and celebratory. The statement referenced Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar’s remarks made during the election announcement on August 16, where he expressed confidence in the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. At the time, Kumar had said that the elections would be a demonstration of the region’s commitment to democracy and a rejection of hostile forces.
Following the completion of the elections, CEC Rajiv Kumar reflected on the deepening of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that these elections will resonate in history and continue to inspire democratic values in the region. He acknowledged the people’s determination and commitment to the electoral process, which he described as both peaceful and participative.
The press release further noted a notable rise in voter participation in areas previously known for militancy and election boycotts. In Pulwama, voter turnout increased by 12.97 percent compared to the 2014 Assembly elections, while Zainapora in Shopian saw a 9.52 percent rise, and Eidgah in Srinagar registered a 9.16 percent increase.
Special provisions were also made for Kashmiri Migrant voters, with 24 special polling stations set up in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi.
Phase 3 of the elections involved 40 Assembly constituencies spread across seven districts, with a total of 5,060 polling stations. A total of 415 candidates contested in this phase, including 387 men and 28 women. The seven districts that participated in this phase were Bandipora, Baramulla, Jammu, Kathua, Kupwara, Samba, and Udhampur.
The first two phases of polling saw voter turnouts of 61.38 percent and 57.31 percent, respectively. Counting of votes is scheduled for October 8.