Voter enthusiasm remained strong as the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections witnessed a turnout of 11.6% within the first two hours of polling on Tuesday.
This early surge, especially with women voters making their way to the booths early in the day, suggests the possibility of a higher overall turnout compared to the previous two phases.
The first and second phases of polling saw voter turnouts of 62% and 58%, respectively.
With bright autumn weather and clear skies, voters across 40 constituencies embraced the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.
The polling is taking place at 5,060 stations, spread across both the Kashmir and Jammu regions.
In the Kashmir Valley, officials set up 1,842 polling stations across Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts, staffed by over 8,000 polling personnel.
Meanwhile, they established 3,218 polling stations in the Jammu division across districts like Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur.
The contrasting climates of the two regions were evident, as voters in Baramulla and Kupwara donned woolens to keep warm, while those in Jammu, Kathua, and Udhampur sported summer attire.
In the Valley, long queues formed early in areas like Pattan, Uri, and Tangmarg, while in the Jammu region, voters, many dressed in traditional Dogri outfits, turned out in a celebratory mood.
Particularly enthusiastic were voters in areas near the International Border in Samba, Kathua, and Jammu, where they exchanged greetings with security personnel at the polling stations.
J&K Elections: Election Commission Ensures Accessibility For Sick & Disabled Voters
The Election Commission has made special provisions for sick and disabled voters, ensuring they can cast their votes without difficulty.
Additionally, Kashmiri migrant voters have accommodated with dedicated polling stations; 11 in Jammu, four in Delhi, and one in Udhampur.
In total, 3.9 million voters are eligible to participate in this phase, deciding the fate of 415 candidates across 40 constituencies.
The breakdown includes 11 seats in Jammu, six in Kathua, four in Udhampur, and three in Samba, while Baramulla and Kupwara contribute 16 seats.
Security measures remain stringent, with personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police deployed to ensure smooth polling.
On Monday, security forces carried out area domination and ensured secure routes for polling staff and voters.
Security deployments were in place by early Tuesday morning to guarantee the safe passage of election officials, observers, and candidates.
Polling began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM.
The votes from all three phases of the election will be counted on 8 October, marking the conclusion of this significant election in Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read: Final Phase Of Jammu & Kashmir Elections; Leaders Urge Voters To Make Their Voices Heard
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