“The total electorate consists of 44.46 lakh males and 42.62 lakh females, with additional categories including 82,590 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), 169 transgender individuals, 73,943 senior citizens, 2,660 centenarians, and 76,092 service electors. Among these voters, a significant 3.71 lakh are first-time voters”.
As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its upcoming Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is embarking on a comprehensive plan to ensure that the electoral process is conducted smoothly and efficiently. To accommodate the substantial electorate of 87.09 lakh voters, the ECI is setting up a total of 11,838 polling stations across the region.
Electoral Infra And Voter Distribution: The election infrastructure has been meticulously designed to cover the 74 Assembly Constituencies spread across 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. These constituencies include 9 reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 7 for Scheduled Castes (SC), ensuring representation for these specific groups. The total electorate consists of 44.46 lakh males and 42.62 lakh females, with additional categories including 82,590 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), 169 transgender individuals, 73,943 senior citizens, 2,660 centenarians, and 76,092 service electors. Among these voters, a significant 3.71 lakh are first-time voters, highlighting the diverse and growing electorate in the region.
Distribution Of Polling Stations: The distribution of polling stations is carefully planned to ensure that every voter has access to a polling facility. Of the 11,838 polling stations, 2,332 will be situated in urban areas, while the remaining 9,506 will be located in rural regions. These stations will be spread across 9,169 distinct locations, reflecting the ECI’s commitment to comprehensive coverage. To cater to the specific needs of different groups, 90 polling stations will be managed specifically for PwDs, another 90 will be managed for women, and 360 will be designated as Model Polling Stations.
Assured Minimum Facilities At Polling Stations: To further enhance accessibility and voter comfort, the ECI has mandated the provision of several Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at each polling station. These facilities will include clear and visible signages, help desks staffed by volunteers, ramps for wheelchair access, and adequate toilets and drinking water. Additionally, polling stations will be equipped with electricity and facilitation centers, with some stations located on the ground floor to ensure ease of access. Ramps will be built with proper gradients to accommodate all voters, and volunteer and wheelchair assistance will be provided. The Saksham App will be available for PwDs to access necessary facilities, and a Home Voting Facility (Postal Ballot) will be offered for those unable to vote in person. Specific policies will be in place for Kashmiri migrants to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.
Special Polling Stations And Security Measures: In a notable effort to simplify the voting process for displaced Kashmiri voters, 26 Special Polling Stations (SPS) will be established in Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur. This initiative aims to provide a more accessible voting option for Kashmiri migrants residing outside their home state. The requirement for Form-M, which was previously necessary for voters in Jammu and Udhampur, has been waived. This change will ease the voting process for more than 23,000 voters expected to use these SPS.
Enforcement And Security Directives: The ECI has also implemented rigorous security and enforcement measures to safeguard the electoral process. Enforcement agencies have been directed to maintain vigilant monitoring of potential threats such as heroin smuggling, drone droppings, and illicit liquor transportation. Special attention will be given to critical border check posts, particularly in the Kathua district, with round-the-clock monitoring to prevent any illegal activities that could disrupt the elections.
Guidelines For District Magistrates And Police: District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been given specific instructions to uphold impartiality and transparency throughout the electoral process. They are advised to ensure that polling stations are not relocated at the last minute for security reasons, and to maintain polling stations within 2 kilometers of voters’ residences. Measures will also be taken to provide ease of voting with essential amenities such as water and chairs for elderly voters. Additionally, real-time responses to fake news will be required, with actions taken against those spreading misinformation.
Transport And Webcasting Provisions: To address the challenges faced by voters in remote and hilly areas, the ECI has mandated the provision of transport facilities to ensure these voters can reach polling stations without difficulty. Transparency will be maintained in granting permissions for grounds and meeting places, and webcasting will be implemented at all polling stations, exceeding the previous directive of 50% coverage. This initiative aims to provide real-time monitoring of the voting process and address any irregularities promptly.
Commitment To Timely Elections: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has reaffirmed the ECI’s commitment to conducting the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as soon as possible. Despite facing various pressures, both internal and external, the ECI is determined to ensure that the electoral process proceeds without any disruptions. Kumar emphasized that political parties in the region are strongly advocating for the elections, which have been delayed since 2014. The dissolution of the legislative body in 2018 and the subsequent bifurcation of the region into two Union Territories in 2019 had postponed the elections. The Supreme Court has now mandated that the election process be completed by September 30, 2024.
Election Phases And Constituencies: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole, told Kashmir Horizon that 23.27 lakh voters are eligible to participate in the first phase of Assembly elections, scheduled for September 18, 2024 in J&K. This phase will cover 24 Assembly Constituencies across seven districts in the region. “There are 11,76,441 male voters, 11,51,042 female voters, and 60 third-gender electors. Of the total electorate, 5.66 lakh are young voters aged 18-29, including 1,23,922 first-time voters aged 18-19 years. Among these first-time voters, 65,542 are male and 58,380 are female,” he said. Pole said this phase will see participation from 28,310 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and 15,774 voters aged 85 and above. The election will cover constituencies in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions: Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar.
Special Provisions For Kashmiri Migrants: To further facilitate voting for Kashmiri migrants, the ECI has established 24 special polling stations in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. This initiative aims to ease the voting process for displaced Kashmiri voters living outside their home state. For migrants in Jammu and Udhampur, the need for Form-M has been removed, while those in other areas can self-attest the required certificate. Migrants in relief camps will use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at designated stations, with draft roll extracts to be published soon and a 7-day window for corrections.
Options for Postal Voting: For those who prefer not to vote in person, postal ballots will be available. Applications for postal ballots can be made using Form 12C, which can be obtained from Assistant Returning Officers or downloaded from the ECI website. This provision ensures that all eligible voters, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
“Develop strategies to counter misinformation and fake news in real-time, ensuring that voters receive accurate information and can make informed decisions. Ensure that transport facilities are well-coordinated, particularly for voters in difficult terrains, and that they are made available well in advance of the election dates. After the elections, conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the preparations and identify areas for improvement. Gather feedback from voters and officials to refine processes for future elections. ECI can ensure a fair, efficient, and accessible electoral process, ultimately contributing to a successful Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Election Phases And Schedule
The Assembly Election 2024 will be conducted in three distinct phases:
September 18: Voting will take place for 16 constituencies in Kashmir, including Pampore, Tral, and Pulwama.
September 25: Voting will cover 15 constituencies in Kashmir, including Kangan, Ganderbal, and Hazratbal.
October 1: The final phase will see voting for 16 constituencies in Kashmir, including Baramulla, Karnah, Trehgam, and Kupwara.
These extensive preparations and directives from the ECI reflect a commitment to ensuring a fair, accessible, and effective electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir, addressing the diverse needs of the electorate and maintaining the integrity of the voting process. To combat misinformation and uphold the integrity of the forthcoming Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Command-and-Control Centres have been established at the Chief Electoral Officer’s offices in Jammu and Srinagar. Additionally, 24×7 control rooms have been activated in all 20 Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices across Jammu & Kashmir. These centres are equipped with cutting-edge technology and will operate continuously to monitor election-related activities and tackle instances of fake news. The Chief Electoral Officer’s office has highlighted that these centres are pivotal for ensuring election transparency and enabling swift responses to misinformation.
Kashmir Horizon View: As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for its forthcoming Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is making extensive preparations to facilitate a smooth and inclusive electoral process. The ECI’s plan includes establishing polling stations in both urban and rural areas, with special provisions for PwDs, women, and model polling stations to enhance accessibility and voter comfort. Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) such as signages, ramps, toilets, and drinking water will be provided to ensure a smooth voting experience. Special measures are being taken to facilitate voting for displaced Kashmiri migrants, with 26 Special Polling Stations set up in Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur, and the waiver of Form-M requirements for voters in these areas. Security measures are also in place to address potential threats such as smuggling and illicit liquor transportation. District Magistrates and police officials are instructed to ensure impartiality and transparency, maintain polling stations within 2 kilometers of voters, and provide ease of access and real-time responses to misinformation. Additionally, transport facilities will be provided for voters in remote areas, and webcasting will be implemented to monitor the voting process. To ensure the successful execution of the Assembly elections, complete the final setup of polling stations and review the arrangements to ensure all Assured Minimum Facilities are in place and functioning properly. There is need to increase public awareness about the voting process, including the availability of special provisions for Kashmiri migrants and the use of postal ballots. This will help ensure that all eligible voters are informed and can participate effectively. Implement continuous monitoring and support for polling stations to address any issues promptly. Ensure that security measures are strictly enforced and that any attempts to disrupt the electoral process are addressed immediately. Provide thorough training for election officials and volunteers to handle all aspects of the voting process, including managing special provisions and addressing voter queries. Develop strategies to counter misinformation and fake news in real-time, ensuring that voters receive accurate information and can make informed decisions. Ensure that transport facilities are well-coordinated, particularly for voters in difficult terrains, and that they are made available well in advance of the election dates. After the elections, conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the preparations and identify areas for improvement. Gather feedback from voters and officials to refine processes for future elections. ECI can ensure a fair, efficient, and accessible electoral process, ultimately contributing to a successful Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir.
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