Suhail Khan
Srinagar, May 28: The changing scenario in the overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the Abrogation of Article 370 has once again resulted in a significant milestone in India’s electoral history. The Union Territory recorded its highest voter turnout in the past 35 years during the 2024 general elections.
This was the first time in Kashmir’s history when not only the common people but also the families of former militants came forward to cast their votes, reflecting a desire for change, development, and the assertion of their rights.
The election campaign was marked by a festive atmosphere, with people from every corner of the Union Territory – from the plains to the mountains – actively participating and supporting their preferred candidates. This active participation is a huge positive for the upcoming assembly elections, ensuring the democratic process continues to thrive in J&K.
The voter turnout in the Kashmir Valley alone witnessed a remarkable 30-point increase from the 2019 elections, with participation jumping from 19.16% to 50.86%. Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag-Rajouri constituencies registered VTRs of 38.49%, 59.1%, and 54.84%, respectively. The other two constituencies, Udhampur and Jammu, reported even higher turnouts of 68.27% and 72.22%.
Ladakh, now a separate Union Territory since 2019, also saw enthusiastic voter participation with a VTR of 71.82%. This election cycle highlights a significant embrace of democracy by the people of J&K, particularly among younger voters. The 2024 voter turnout reflects a robust faith in the democratic process, a promising sign for future elections in the region.
Factors Contributing to the Increased Voter Turnout:
The election and security officials worked tirelessly to empower the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth, to participate in the elections. The increased participation of young voters, with the 18-59 years age group forming the majority of registered electors in the Union Territory, is a positive and heartening development.
The Election Commission also enabled Kashmiri migrant voters residing in relief camps in Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur to vote either in person at designated special polling stations or through postal ballots, ensuring their inclusion in the electoral process.
Ladakh Union Territory:
Ladakh, which was constituted as a separate Union Territory in 2019, also saw an enthusiastic response to the call of democracy, with a voter turnout of 71.82%.
Awareness and Outreach:
The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, organized a wide range of activities as part of the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) program. These efforts included adventure sports events, symposiums, awareness rallies, and various other events to propagate the message of voting. Innovative approaches, such as creating igloos as dummy polling stations, para-scooter events, and sensitization activities, were aimed at engaging the people and increasing their participation in the electoral process.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, expressed gratitude to polling personnel and security officials for ensuring peaceful elections. Kumar highlighted the increased engagement, noting a 25% rise in the number of contesting candidates since 2019 and significant citizen involvement through C-vigil complaints and Suvidha Portal requests.
The historic voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, is a testament to the robust democratic spirit and civic engagement of the people in the region. The active participation of the people, especially the youth, is a positive development that bodes well for the upcoming assembly elections in the Union Territory and the continued strengthening of the democratic process.
