Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar described the ongoing Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as “history in the making.” He noted the significant turnout of voters, with people forming long queues outside polling booths in areas where previous calls for a boycott had discouraged participation.
As the second phase of elections is conducted across 26 constituencies in the Union Territory, Kumar reported that voter turnout had exceeded 46% by 3 p.m. He emphasized that the polling process is being closely monitored with 100% CCTV coverage in place. Kumar highlighted the diverse demographic of voters, including young people, women, and senior citizens, all waiting patiently to cast their votes.
“This is a festival of democracy. Voting is taking place in regions where it had been absent before. There have been past calls for disruption and boycott, making this a standing ovation for democracy,” the CEC stated during a press briefing in New Delhi, accompanied by fellow election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.
Kumar expressed optimism about the long-term impact of this elections process in Jammu and Kashmir, commending the enthusiastic participation of the electorate. The elections signal a significant shift in the region’s political engagement, marking a historic moment in its democratic journey.
Published – September 25, 2024, 04:39 PM IST
