Srinagar, Sep 20: The Election Commission of India Friday revised voter turnout to 61.38 percent in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election that was held on September 18.
In a statement, a spokesperson said that a turnout of 61.38 percent has been recorded in phase 1 for 24 constituencies in J&K.
The statement reads that voting turnout trends at the polling stations on the poll day were facilitated by the Commission through its voter turnout App, every two hours starting at 9:30 am.
It added that CEO J&K has confirmed that all polling parties have returned safely and final votes polled will be available post-counting with the counting of postal ballots.
It said that postal ballots include service voters, absentee voters (85+, PwD, Essential Services, etc.), and voters on election duty. “Daily account of such Postal ballots received, as per established guidelines, are given to all candidates,” it added.
Twenty-four constituencies went to polls on Wednesday. Over 23 lakh voters had to decide the destiny of 219 candidates.
This was the first time that the troubled region has witnessed elections in the last 10 years and also the first since the Narendra Modi-led government, during its second term, abrogated Article 370.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended hearty congratulations to the voters of the first phase of the Assembly Election for the record turnout. In a social media post, the Lieutenant Governor said, their enthusiastic participation is a testament to the strength of Indian democracy and people’s faith in democratic values.
The Lieutenant Governor posted on X: “Congratulations J&K for a historic voter turnout! I would like to thank all voters, who exercised their franchise in 1st Phase. Record polling in the peaceful, free & fair election attests to the strength of Indian democracy & people’s faith in democratic values.
I must congratulate all my sisters & first-time voters for participating in large numbers to celebrate the festival of democracy. Heartfelt gratitude to outstanding security forces, JKP & Election Officials. Approx 59% polling in the first phase shows Jamhooriyat is flourishing in J&K. Long queues of voters in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag demolished the motivated propaganda of the adversaries. People have also rebuffed the agenda of divisive elements and reaffirmed their faith in democracy”.