Free and Fair

The counting of votes for the recently concluded assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir was held on Tuesday. These assembly elections were the first to be held after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories. The government had made all necessary preparations for the vote counting, which took place at 28 counting centres across J&K. To ensure the integrity and security of the process, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were safely stored in strong rooms located at district headquarters under strict surveillance. CCTV cameras were installed not only inside these strong rooms but throughout the counting centres to monitor every activity, preventing any potential interference or mishandling of votes. Comprehensive security measures, including a three-tier security arrangement, had further fortified the counting centres, with unauthorized individuals being strictly restricted from entering. The counting process was conducted under the watchful eyes of Returning Officers (ROs), Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), Election Commission of India (ECI) observers, and authorized representatives of the candidates, ensuring that every action was transparent and recorded. To reinforce this transparency, the opening of the strong rooms was videographed, and stringent rules were put in place, including a ban on mobile phones inside the counting centres. The meticulous planning of the authorities was evident in the arrangement of counting centres across different districts. Two centres each were set up in districts like Kupwara, Samba, Jammu, Udhampur, and Reasi, while separate centres were designated for counting votes from migrants. Various counting observers, appointed by the ECI, were tasked with ensuring that every vote was counted fairly and that no procedural violations occurred. In addition to on-ground security, the Election Commission was vigilant in monitoring social media for potential rumours that could disrupt the process. With misinformation being a significant threat in modern electoral processes, this precautionary measure was crucial to maintaining public trust in the election’s outcome. Earlier, the peaceful conduct of the assembly elections in three phases with a voter turnout of 64%, had already set a positive tone. A wide range of national, regional, and independent candidates contested all 90 seats, marking a robust political engagement from diverse sections of the population. In the valley, a lot of enthusiasm was seen among the voters as poll boycott calls have become things of the past. Long queues of voters were seen outside the polling stations across the union territory. The smooth and orderly counting process further reinforced the success of these elections. These elections, the first after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, have drawn national and international attention. With comprehensive security, strict monitoring, and transparency at every stage, the process has been free and fair. The successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir highlight the effectiveness of the Election Commission and local authorities, and the people’s enthusiasm for democratic participation. The high voter turnout points to J&K’s faith in democracy and this achievement sets the stage for a more stable and representative government.