–A photo feature By Farooq Bhat, Javaid Ahmad Ganai, Aayan Ali
A female officer Naseema (40) guards a pink polling station at Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Handwara on May 20. Behind her, a large number of women eagerly await their turn to cast their votes, showcasing active female participation in the electoral process. Photo by Farooq Bhat
Jammu and Kashmir gears up for its first assembly election in past ten years, starting from September 18, 2024. The Election Commission of India has announced that elections in the area – first time after abrogation of article 370 – will be held in phases to elect 90 members to the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.
While people of UT Jammu and Kashmir gear up for the assembly elections 2024, the team of lensmen from The Voices share the spectacular performance its voters had put up during the Lok Sabha elections 2024.
The Parliamentary Elections 2024 in India have seen Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir turning the elections into boisterous celebration of democracy in a way that has never been seen before. This state, bifurcated into Union Territory, has witnessed its first parliamentary election since the abrogation of Article 370, and the results have been nothing short of historic.
J&K has five parliamentary constituencies namely Baramulla, Srinagar, Anantnag, Udhampur and Jammu, which cover 20 districts and 90 assembly constituencies. There were 8,72,6991 voters in the UT including 44,52,161 male electors, 42,74,664 female electors and 166 transgender voters. People have voted across 11629 polling stations in the state.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this election has been the active participation of women. Many polling booths across the state witnessed long lines of women eager to exercise their right to vote. Additionally, the elderly took significant steps to contribute to the democratic process, underscoring a collective commitment to civic duty.
On May 13, Srinagar made history by recording a voter turnout of 37.98 percent, the second-highest percentage in more than three decades. Similarly, on May 20, Baramulla achieved a record voter turnout of around 59 percent, the highest since 1984. These milestones reflect a significant shift in public sentiment and political engagement in Jammu and Kashmir.
The high voting percentages are attributed to the people’s quest to elect representatives who can effectively voice their concerns in parliament. Senior staffer and defense correspondent with the leading English daily newspaper of state – Greater Kashmir – Shabir Ibn Yusuf highlighted this desire for representation at the governmental level.
“The high voter turnout in South Kashmir is a testament to the people’s desire for peace and progress,” said Shabir Ibn Yusuf. “It reflects their faith in the democratic process despite past challenges,” he said.
Shabir emphasized that a comprehensive security strategy and the cooperation of the local community played crucial roles in ensuring a safe environment for voters. This remarkable turnout is a victory for democracy and peace, he noted.
He further explained that the turnout in South Kashmir demonstrates the resilience and determination of the local population to shape their future. People’s participation sends a strong message against violence and extremism, he said.
According to Shabir, the success of these elections is a result of meticulous planning and coordination between various security agencies. “We were able to preempt and neutralize potential threats effectively,” he explained.
Even traditionally disturbed areas like Baramulla witnessed a high voter turnout, suggesting a thoughtful shift in public sentiment and political engagement. Riding on the wave of their democratic rights, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have ushered in a new regime that will resonate with the voices from the valley.
The significant turnout indicates a growing political maturity and a desire for representation that aligns with the aspirations of the people, Shabir concluded. It is a clear signal that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are ready to move forward, embracing democracy with renewed vigor.
This electoral exercise not only marks a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir but also serves as an inspiring example of the power of democracy. As the region moves forward, the echoes of this vibrant participation will undoubtedly shape its future, fostering a political landscape that resonates with the hopes and dreams of its people.
Men and women stand in long queues at the green polling station in Wadipora village, Handwara, Baramulla parliamentary constituency. Photos by Farooq Bhat
A determined queue of voters brave the weather while being lined up outside a polling booth at Shadipora, Pulwama. Photo by Javaid Ahmad Ganai
Voters eagerly waiting outside a polling station in Handwara, Baramulla parliamentary constituency, Kashmir to cast their votes in the Parliamentary Elections. Photo by Farooq Bhat
People queue outside a polling booth in Bemina area of Budgam district. A lot of youngsters cast their votes enthusiastically. Photo by Aayan Ali
81-year-old Abdul Khalik from IGC Lassipora proudly casts his vote, believing that the elected candidate will usher in positive changes for the community. Photo by Javaid Ahmad Ganai
Muzamil Manzoor, a businessman, casts his vote after years of waiting for the same. He believes this election is crucial to bridge the gap between people of Jammu and Kashmir and the administration, ensuring their voices are heard and problems are addressed. He observed that this time enthusiastic voters stepped forward to exercise their votes after the year 1996 in such a huge number.
Photo by Javaid Ahmad Ganai
An elderly woman Katija Begum (90) seated in a wheelchair, proudly shows her inked finger after casting her vote in Lachipora, a village in the Handwara area of Baramulla parliamentary constituency. Photo by Farooq Bhat
Two female voters from Shadipora, cast their votes. Both the voters hoped of a transformation of the health and educational systems, and emphasized urgent need for better roads as they dwell near the highly busy road connecting the industrial area to the NH-44 . Photo by Javaid Ahmad Ganai
Three homemakers, Mubeena (39), Shaista (37) and Rubeena (36) emerge from the polling booth after casting their votes. The trio were optimistic that their votes will drive the overall development of their community so that their children could get better education and become the well-wishers of the humanity. Photo by Javaid Ahmad Ganai
Trio voters from a single family, Gh. Ahmad (61) and Mohammad Abdullah (73) -both farmers and Sara (53) a homemaker, exit the polling booth after casting their votes. They are hopeful that the new government will address their concerns and help make Kashmir truly a paradise-like place, as it is called. Photo by Javaid Ahmad Ganai
Shakeel Ahmad Azad, 57, a journalist cum social worker exercised his democratic right and voted with optimism that the right parliamentarian will bridge gap between center and J&K people. He hopes for a voice in Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir to address the pressing issues of roads, education, health, power, drinking water and other critical issues. Photo by Javaid Ahmad Ganai
Zaiba Begum, 80, waits outside the PWD-managed Polling Station 39 in Kargam, Handwara village. This unique polling station, exclusively managed by persons with disabilities, exemplifies inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can actively participate in the democratic process. Photo by Farooq Bhat
Edited by Aaryanshi Mohan