Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election Updates
The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is heating up as 279 candidates have filed their nomination papers for the upcoming assembly elections. These elections will take place in 24 assembly constituencies across seven districts, with the first phase of voting set for September 18. The deadline for filing nominations was August 27, 2024, and the Chief Electoral Officer’s office has begun releasing information about the candidates.
Candidate Distribution Across Districts
The nomination process saw significant participation from various districts in the region. Here is the breakdown of candidates across the seven districts:
| District | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| Anantnag | 72 |
| Pulwama | 55 |
| Doda | 41 |
| Kishtwar | 32 |
| Shopian | 28 |
| Kulgam | 28 |
| Ramban | 23 |
| Kishtwar Constituencies | 13 (for 3 assembly seats) |
| Inderwal Constituency | 11 |
| Kishtwar Constituency | 8 (for Padder-Nagseeni seat) |
Voter Statistics and Eligibility
Over 2.3 million voters are eligible to cast their votes in this first phase of elections, comprising of:
- 11.76 lakh male voters
- 11.51 lakh female voters
- 60 third-gender voters
- 5.66 lakh youth voters
The notification for the first phase of the elections was issued on August 20, and the last date for filing nominations was August 27, at 3:00 PM.
Key Dates in the Election Process
Following the nomination filing, the candidates must keep track of the important upcoming dates:
- Nomination Verification: Candidates’ nomination papers will be scrutinized by the respective returning officers on August 28, 2024.
- Withdrawal Deadline: Candidates may withdraw their nominations until 3:00 PM on August 30, 2024.
Political Dynamics
This election cycle is particularly noteworthy as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting independently in the region, while the Congress party has formed an alliance with the National Conference. The outcome of this election could significantly affect the political future of Jammu and Kashmir. Observers are keenly watching the unfolding events, as voter sentiments and turnout in this sensitive region will play a crucial role in determining the direction of local governance.
