Second-Highest Voter Turnout Since ’89: CEO P.K. Pole
Ø Srinagar LS seat records 38 per cent voting
Ø Figure likely to go up as data getting updated
Ø No polling station recorded zero percent polling
Ø No law & order incident reported
SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, May 13: The Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, P.K Pole, provided a comprehensive overview of the polling activities conducted in the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency on Monday.
“I am glad to announce that Srinagar parliamentary constituency today recorded highest ever voting percentage of over 38 per cent. This is the highest figure since the eruption of militancy in 1989,” Pole said addressing a press conference adding that the figure was likely to go up as data was pouring in from districts. The official app of the J&K administration also confirmed the voting per cent of 38.3 per cent in Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency at 10 pm.
Pole said that there was a great enthusiasm among the voters and the polling took place in a peaceful atmosphere. “There was no polling station that witnessed zero per cent polling. No law-and-order incident was reported anywhere,” he said, adding that not even a single polling booth witnessed zero percent polling in Srinagar parliamentary constituency.
“People voted in large numbers here. We are thankful to each and every person involved in making this democratic process a success,” said Pole.
Voters of Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and Shopian showed up in record numbers to cast their votes in a show of faith and enthusiasm in the election process. This was the first general election in the valley after the abrogation of Article 370 and the enaction of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.There are 24 candidates in the fray as compared to 12 in 2019 general election. Polling personnel including security personnel worked tirelessly to ensure that an atmosphere of calm, peace and festivities welcomed voters at the polling stations.
More than 8,000 polling staff were on duty to cater to the over 17.47 lakh strong electorate. Command-and-Control centers have been working 24×7 in Srinagar as well as Jammu since the 16th of March, the date of announcement of the General Elections 2024 to ensure free, fair, and inducement-free elections. At every polling station, basic minimum facilities of water, electricity, toilet, ramp, verandah/ waiting room etc. were made. Wheelchairs and volunteers were provided as and when required. In order to ensure inclusive voting, polling stations managed by women, specially-abled persons and by youths were set up. There were 21 green and eco-friendly polling stations. Media facilitation was done through passes for more than 600 journalists.
The Commission has enabled Kashmiri migrant voters residing at various relief camps in Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur to also have the option of voting in person at designated special polling stations or using postal ballot. 21 Special Polling Stations were established at Jammu, 1 at Udhampur and 4 at Delhi.
Planned, consistent and targeted interventions to promote voter awareness as part of SVEEP activities has contributed to the noteworthy rise in voter turnout.
Year Voting Percentage
2019: 14.43%
2014: 25.86%
2009: 25.55%
2004: 18.57%
1999: 11.93%
1998: 30.06%
1996: 40.94%
Pole estimated that the final polling percentage would likely reach approximately 40 percent, a remarkable feat indicating growing civic engagement within the constituency.
Discussing the logistical arrangements, Pole emphasized the mammoth effort undertaken, with 2135 polling stations spread across 18 assembly segments. Over 8500 civil employees, bolstered by police and CRPF personnel numbering twice that figure, worked tirelessly over the preceding two days to ensure the seamless conduct of the polls.
“We prioritized accessibility and security for all voters, particularly females and the elderly, with every polling station under vigilant CCTV surveillance,” Pole added, underscoring the inclusive approach adopted.
In terms of youth participation, Pole revealed that there were 2 lakh registered youth voters, with 26 special polling stations designated for migrants. Over 6 thousand migrant voters exercised their franchise, contributing to a tentative poll percentage of 36 percent among migrant voters.
Addressing concerns about security, Pole assured the public of the overall peaceful conduct of the polls. “Preventive measures were selectively implemented, primarily targeting individuals with criminal backgrounds or a history of anti-national activities, ensuring incident-free polling stations,” he clarified.
Additionally, Pole disclosed that Srinagar recorded the lowest Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) replacement rate at 0.1 percent, while Jammu reported the highest at 3 percent, reflecting the efficiency and reliability of the voting process in the region.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
