Ishtiyaq Kar

Srinagar, Aug 12 (KNS): The Election Commission of India (ECI) is on the cusp of announcing the schedule for Jammu & Kashmir's first Assembly elections since the reorganization of the Union Territory. Highly placed sources told KNS that the announcement is likely around end of August month, following favorable assessments from security and intelligence agencies.
The elections are expected to be conducted in six phases, with polling likely spanning October and the first week of November.
The entire process is projected to conclude before November, 2024.
An Election official confirmed the readiness of the commission to oversee the elections. “We have received encouraging feedback from various security and intelligence agencies regarding the feasibility of holding elections in Jammu & Kashmir,” the official said.
“Our primary goal is to ensure a free, fair, and secure electoral process.”
Political parties in Jammu & Kashmir have welcomed the upcoming elections, expressing their readiness to participate. Almost all major parties have officially communicated their preparedness to the ECI.
“Our party is fully prepared for the elections,” stated a senior leader from the Bhartiya Janta Party. “We view this as a crucial opportunity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir to have their voices heard and to restore democratic governance in the region.”
The other Political parties including National Conference, People's Democratic Party (PDP), Congress echoed similar sentiments.
One of the leaders of the political party remarked, “We are committed to engaging in the electoral process and addressing the issues that matter most to the people of Jammu & Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe believe that these elections will be a significant step forward for the region’s political and social development.”
Sources close to the ECI have indicated that candidates will need to adhere to specific criteria to qualify for the elections. Notably, any political party or candidate that disputes Jammu & Kashmir’s accession to India, refuses to accept its status as an integral part of the Union, or promotes secessionist narratives will be disqualified from contesting.
A high-ranking ECI official explained, “To maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure it aligns with the constitutional values of India, we have established clear criteria for candidate eligibility. This is to prevent any parties or individuals who challenge the constitutional status of Jammu & Kashmir from participating in the elections.”
The electoral process is expected to be conducted in multiple phases, with the first phase potentially starting in early October. The ECI has outlined that polling will occur in six stages, covering various regions to ensure comprehensive representation and voter turnout.
Political analysts predict that the staggered phases will allow for adequate security arrangements and logistical support, given the region's complex terrain and security considerations.
As the ECI prepares to finalize the election schedule, political parties are gearing up for the campaign trail. They are expected to focus on addressing local concerns, promoting their manifestos, and engaging with voters across Jammu & Kashmir.(KNS)