Kashmir sees strong voter turnout in first phase of Assembly polls

The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election is the first since the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked the Union Territory's special status. The strong voter turnout suggests that, despite these changes, many residents remain engaged in the democratic process.

In Short

• 24 constituencies voted with slight increase from 2014 polls
• First election since Article 370 abrogation
• Strong voter engagement in some districts

In the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir's Assembly elections on September 18, voter turnout reached 61.4 per cent. This marks a slight but notable rise compared to previous elections. Voters in 24 constituencies -- eight in Jammu and 16 in the Kashmir Valley -- cast their ballots, with two more rounds of voting to follow. The first phase turnout was nearly identical to the 61.36 per cent recorded in 2014.

Turnout Trends

In regions like Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar, turnout remained steady. However, in South Kashmir, eight of the 16 constituencies saw a decline compared to 2014. For example:

• Pampore: Turnout dropped slightly to 45 per cent from 46.82 per cent
• Rajpora: Voter participation fell to 48.44 per cent from 54.12 per cent
• Damhal Hanji Pora: The turnout saw a more significant dip, falling to 68.88 per cent from 80.92 per cent

Some other constituencies experienced smaller declines, such as Dooru, where turnout decreased to 61.62 per cent from 65.01 per cent. In Shangus (Anantnag East), participation dropped to 56.72 per cent from 68.78 per cent. Despite these declines, overall turnout remained robust, underscoring the region’s continued engagement with the electoral process.

Why this election matters

This election is the first since the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The strong voter turnout suggests that, despite these changes, many residents remain engaged in the democratic process.

District highlights

Some districts showed strong voter engagement.

• Pulwama saw a notable increase in voter turnout, rising to 47 per cent from 38.12 per cent in 2014.
• Anantnag saw a significant drop, with turnout rising to 57.9 per cent from 45.4 per cent in 2014.
• Kishtwar saw a rise of 13.6 per cent in turnout.
• Doda witnessed a turnout rise of 5.5 per cent.
• Ramban saw a rise of nine per cent in turnout.

Historical context

Voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly elections has fluctuated over the years. In 1962, turnout was just over 40 per cent, rising to around 75 per cent by 1987. The Congress dominated the 1960s and early 1970s, while the National Conference led the 1980s. In 2014, the turnout was 65.5 per cent, with the People's Democratic Party defeating the NC. The 2014 election was particularly notable, with a 66 per cent turnout despite separatist calls for a boycott. Northern Kashmir had over 70 per cent turnout in five constituencies during the first phase.

Looking ahead

As the region prepares for the next two phases of voting, the strong turnout in the first phase sets an optimistic tone. It reflects the resilience of democratic values, even in a region marked by political changes.