On August 16th, the Election Commission of India announced that the state assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held from September 18 to October 1. This marks a significant development in the region’s political landscape, as it will be the first major state assembly elections since 2014 and the abrogation of Article 370. The announcement has set the stage for a highly anticipated electoral battle, with political parties mobilising and the atmosphere heating up as election preparations are underway. The recent parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed an impressive voter turnout, the highest in 35 years, signalling a notable shift in electoral engagement. The Election Commission’s commitment to holding these assembly elections before the Supreme Court’s deadline in September 2024 underscores the importance of these polls. Given the increased voter turnout in the parliamentary elections and the absence of significant violence—a stark contrast to past election cycles—there is reason to believe that voter participation in the assembly elections could be even higher. This trend indicates agrowing engagement among the electorate, which could lead to a more vibrant and competitive electoral process. Political parties have already unveiled their election manifestos, with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) being prominent players. The JKNC’s manifesto includes ambitious promises such as the restoration of Article 370 and 35A, the redrawing of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, the reintroduction of the Old Pension Scheme, the release of political prisoners, and the creation of one lakh jobs. Similarly, the JKPDP has echoed some of these promises. Historically, regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have focused their campaigns on issues such as infrastructure development, including roads, electricity, and water. However, the shift towards addressing broader issues like employment and political rights in their manifestos suggests a strategic pivot. This change may reflect a broader shift in the political discourse, with parties now emphasizing socio-economic issues over traditional regional concerns. It will be intriguing to observe how these promises are articulated and addressed in public rallies and whether they resonate with voters.
“The engagement of new voters, the evolving political manifestos, and the broader implications of peace will all play significant roles in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir”
The recent parliamentary elections saw a notable influx of first-time voters, including those who had previously abstained from voting due to ideological or political reasons. This new voter demographic is not limited to those who have just turned 18 but also includes individuals who previously boycotted elections due to their opposition to the electoral process. For example, some youth and former members of banned groups like Jamaat-e-Islami have participated in voting for the first time. In the Baramulla parliamentary constituency, many of these new voters supported Engineer Rashid, indicating a potential shift in voter allegiance and political preferences. Additionally, there is a concerning gender disparity in the candidate pool for the upcoming elections, with very few women nominees. This uneven representation highlights a broader issue within the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and raises questions about the uneven gender gap. The increase in voter turnout and the relatively calm political environment in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 might suggest a sense of stability. However, it is important to recognize that peace is more than just the absence of conflict. Scholars like Davenport and others have emphasized that true peace involves creating social systems and structures that promote equitable opportunities, respect for human rights, and sustainable development—concepts collectively referred to as positive peace. In Jammu and Kashmir, while the absence of major violence and the increase in voter participation may indicate a form of negative peace (the absence of war), it is crucial to consider whether the conditions are conducive to positive peace. Are the socio-economic conditions improving? Are human rights being respected and protected? Are there equitable opportunities for all segments of society? These are critical questions that need to be addressed to assess whether the current state of peace in Jammu and Kashmir is genuinely constructive and sustainable. As the elections approach, it will be important to monitor these dynamics closely. The engagement of new voters, the evolving political manifestos, and the broader implications of peace will all play significant roles in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir
(The Author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Shahid Rashid Rather
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