J&K records 63.88% voter turnout, 69.69% cast ballots in final phase

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a strong voter turnout of 63.88% across the entire election cycle, according to a statement released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday, following the conclusion of the third and final phase of voting.
In the final phase, a remarkable 69.69% of eligible voters participated, with female voter turnout slightly surpassing male turnout. The ECI noted that 69.37% of male voters cast their ballots, while 70.02% of female voters participated. Additionally, 43.86% of third-party voters (including independents) turned out for this phase.
“Voter turnout of 69.69% has been recorded at polling stations in phase-3 for 40 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, with female turnout exceeding male turnout,” read the official ECI statement.
This final phase, held on Tuesday, saw the highest participation compared to the earlier phases, which had recorded 61.38% and 57.31% in the first and second phases, respectively. Overall, the three phases saw a cumulative turnout of 63.45%.
The election covered 40 constituencies, 24 from the Jammu Division and 16 from the Kashmir Valley, spread across seven districts. Key issues raised by voters included unemployment, the lack of development, rising electricity bills, and concerns about detained family members.
This election was particularly significant as it was the first in a decade and the first since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A), as well as the delimitation process, which increased the total number of assembly seats to 90—43 in Jammu and 47 in Kashmir.
Improved security in the Union Territory was a major factor contributing to the strong turnout in parts of the Kashmir Valley. Official sources noted a decline in militancy-related incidents, which are now one-tenth of what they were a decade ago. Peaceful voting was observed in several areas of Kashmir, a notable change since the last elections in 2014.