In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for upcoming assembly elections, aiming to bolster democratic engagement in these regions.
For Jammu and Kashmir, the assembly elections will unfold in three phases. Polling will take place on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the results set to be declared on October 4. This election will cover 90 assembly seats, including 74 general seats and 16 reserved seats (9 for Scheduled Tribes and 7 for Scheduled Castes). Over 87 lakh voters are expected to cast their ballots, with the final electoral roll to be published on August 20.
In contrast, Haryana will hold a single-phase election on October 1 for its 90 assembly seats—73 general and 17 reserved for Scheduled Castes. The counting of votes in Haryana is scheduled for October 4, the same day as the results for Jammu and Kashmir will be announced.
The ECI emphasized its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections by leveraging technology. The cVigil App will allow voters to report electoral malpractices, while the KYC App will provide information about candidates. Additionally, the Suvidha Portal will offer various facilities to the candidates themselves.
Highlighting a surge in civic engagement, the ECI pointed out an increase in voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir, which saw a notable 30-point jump in participation during the recent Lok Sabha elections. This rise in enthusiasm is seen as a triumph of the ballot over any sentiment of boycott or intimidation.
The Election Commission has expressed optimism for increased participation from women and youth in these elections, aiming to foster a vibrant democratic process.
