The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly elections in 2024 witnessed a strong voter turnout, with a reported 61.38% of eligible voters casting their ballots. The first phase of the polls, conducted on Wednesday, September 18, spanned across seven districts in Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing 24 constituencies.
According to data released by the Election Commission, the male turnout stood at 63.75%, while the female turnout was 58.96%. The turnout for the third gender was recorded at 40%. These elections marked the first Assembly polls in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, a pivotal event in the region’s history. The last Assembly elections were held in 2014.
Kishtwar district led the way in voter turnout, achieving an impressive 78.24%. Following closely behind were Doda at 72.49% and Ramban at 69.67%. In South Kashmir, Kulgam district topped the turnout chart with 63.44%, followed by Anantnag at 45.62%, Shopian at 58.51%, and Pulwama at 50.78%.
A press release from the Election Commission late last night stated that, as of 11:30 pm, the voter turnout for Phase-1 of the Assembly elections had reached an estimated 61.11%. This figure is expected to be further updated by field officers as the remaining polling parties return.
In Kishtwar, the Inderwal constituency saw the highest voter participation at 82.16%, followed by Padder-Nagseni at 80.67% and Kishtwar at 78.24%. In Doda, West segment Doda recorded a turnout of 75.98%, followed by Doda at 72.49% and Bhaderwah at 67.12%. Ramban district recorded a 71.28% turnout in the Banihal segment and 69.67% in Ramban.
Across the seven constituencies of Anantnag district, Pahalgam saw the highest voter turnout at 71.26%, followed by Kokernag (62.25%), Dooru (61.62%), Srigufwara-Bijbehara (60.43%), Shangus-Anantnag (56.72%), Anantnag West (48.73%), and Anantnag at 45.62%.
In Pulwama district, the Pulwama segment saw a voter turnout of 50.78%, followed by Rajpora at 48.44%, Pampore at 45.01%, and Tral at 43.56%. The Shopian segment in Shopian district recorded a turnout of 58.51%, while Zainapora saw 55.62%. DH Pora in Kulgam district recorded 68.88% polling turnout, Kulgam saw 63.44%, and Devsar 57.76%.
Comparing these figures to the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, we see a significant increase in turnout in certain districts. In 2014, the district wise poll percentage was: Pulwama 44%, Shopian 48%, Kulgam 59%, Anantnag 60%, Ramban 70%, Doda 73%, and Kishtwar 76%.
The high voter turnout in these initial phases suggests a strong interest in the upcoming Assembly elections in J&K, marking a significant event in the region’s political landscape.
