J&K Assembly elections: 244 valid nominations for Phase 1, 35 rejected

The Election Commission of India (EC) said on Thursday that out of the 279 nominations filed for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, 244 were deemed valid, while 35 were rejected.

The nominations for this phase, which covers 24 constituencies across seven districts, underwent scrutiny on Wednesday.

According to the election guidelines, candidates have until 3 pm on Friday (August 30), to withdraw their nominations at the offices of the respective returning officers.

In the first phase of voting for J&K polls, scheduled for September 18, over 2.327 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots.

This figure includes 566,000 young voters, with a breakdown of 1.176 million male voters, 1.151 million female voters, and 60 voters identifying as third gender.

On Thursday, the EC also announced the second phase of the Assembly elections, which will take place on September 25 in 26 constituencies located in the districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi.

Nominations for this phase will be accepted until September 5, with scrutiny scheduled for the following day. Candidates will have until September 9 to withdraw from the race.