J&K phase II polls see over 56 pc voter turnout
The second phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections saw a voter turnout of over 56 per cent on Wednesday, with the democratic exercise passing off peacefully amid tight security.
While there was significant participation in key constituencies in 26 seats spread over six districts with long queues of voters at polling stations since early morning, 20 of these segments recorded a marginally lower turnout than in the 2014 assembly elections, when the overall voting was 60 per cent.
The first phase of polling, held on September 18, saw an estimated 61.38 per cent voter turnout, while the final phase is set to take place on October 1 in the crucial elections being held after 10 years.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Pole announced a preliminary turnout figure of 56.05 per cent, stating that it might change as polling continued in some areas, including Hazratbal and Reasi.
He emphasised that the election proceeded smoothly, with only minor incidents reported.
“There were some stray incidents, but there is no need for re-polling anywhere,” Pole stated during a press conference after polls closed at 6 PM.
The highest turnout was recorded in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency, with 79.95 per cent of registered voters exercising their franchise. Other notable turnout figures included Kangan (71.89 per cent), Gulabgarh (73.49 per cent), and Surankote (75.11 per cent).
The Election Commission had set up 3,502 polling stations across the region, including 1,056 urban and 2,446 rural stations, with a robust security presence to ensure a safe voting environment.
Over 15,000 personnel, including local police and central paramilitary forces, were deployed to maintain order at the polling sites.