Highest Turnout In Many Decades, Polling Concluded Peacefully
Spl arrangements at every polling stations Make Polling A Grand Success
Srinagar: The Srinagar parliamentary constituency in the fourth phase witnessed a notable turnout on Monday, marking the second-highest participation in almost three decades.
As per official figures Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency witnessed a historic 37.99 % voter turnout by 8 pm, marking the highest in many decades. Notably, Chadoora, Chah-i-sharief, Ganderbal, Kangan, Khansahib, and Shopian Assembly segments surpassed a remarkable 45% voter turnout. The polling remained completely peaceful, with Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and Shopian districts also reporting high turnout. At the time of culmination of polling, Assembly Segment wise tentative voter turnout in 2-Srinagar PC was Kangan 58.80 %, Ganderbal 49.48 %, Hazaratbal 28.28 %, Khanyar 24.24 %, Habbakadal 14.05 %, Lal Chowk 27.33 %, Channapora 22.97 %, Zadibal 29.41 %, Eidgah 26.81 %, Central Shalteng 26.43 %, Khansahib 50.35 %, Charar-e-Sharib 56.00 %, Chadoora 49.10 %, Pampore 38.01 %, Tral 40.29 %, Pulwama 43.39 %, Rajpora 45.79 %, Shopian 47.88 %. Also, the total migrant special PS polling was 39.09 % besides receiving 2832 postal votes (absentee, VFC and receive ETPBMS till date).
The fourth phase of voting for the General Elections to the 18th Lok Sabha in Jammu and Kashmir concluded peacefully. By 8.00 PM in the evening, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Budgam, and partly Shopian districts recorded a 36.58% voting turnout. Across the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency, 2,135 polling stations witnessed enthusiastic participation, with live webcasting at all venues. Voting commenced at 7.00 A.M., with long queues showcasing voter eagerness.
This election marked a significant milestone, being the first general election post the abrogation of Article 370 and the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Compared to 12 candidates in the 2019 general election, this time, there are 24 candidates contesting. The polling personnel, including security forces, worked tirelessly to ensure a calm and peaceful atmosphere, welcoming voters at the polling stations.
Over 8,000 polling staff managed the massive electorate of over 17.47 lakh voters. Command-and-Control centers, operational since March 16th, facilitated free and fair elections. Basic facilities like water, electricity, toilets, ramps, and waiting rooms were ensured at all polling stations. Special provisions were made for women, specially-abled persons, and youth-managed polling stations. Additionally, 21 green and eco-friendly polling stations were set up, alongside media facilitation for over 600 journalists.
The Election Commission enabled Kashmiri migrant voters across relief camps in Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur to vote either in person at designated special polling stations or through postal ballots. 21 Special Polling Stations were established in Jammu, 1 in Udhampur, and 4 in Delhi.
On Monday evening, Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir P.K. Pole at a press conference in Srinagar said that polling percentage until 8,00 PM stood at 37.99%, the second-highest turnout since 1989. Notably, every polling booth witnessed participation, a testament to the robust democratic process. Pole expressed gratitude to all involved in ensuring the success of the electoral process, he said.
“Logistically, there were 2,135 polling stations across 18 assembly segments, with over 8,500 civil employees, alongside police and CRPF personnel, ensuring smooth conduct. Special arrangements were made for females and aged persons, with CCTV surveillance at every polling station,” CEO Pole said.
Year Voter Turnout (%)
2019 14.43
2014 25.86
2009 25.55
2004 18.57
1999 11.93
1998 30.06
1996 40.94
Youth participation was notable, with 2 lakh registered youth voters and 26 special polling stations set up for migrants. Over 6 thousand migrant voters cast their ballots, contributing to a tentative poll percentage of 36% among migrant voters. Preventive measures were implemented only in cases where individuals had criminal backgrounds or anti-national history, ensuring incident-free polling stations. Srinagar recorded the lowest EVM replacement rate at 0.1%, while Jammu reported the highest at 3%.
