Jammu: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Wednesday that a substantial number of voters, totaling 86.9 lakh, inclusive of 3.4 lakh first-time voters, are eligible to participate in the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
In the Union Territory, 11,629 polling stations will be established, accommodating an average of 747 voters per station. Notably, among the eligible voters, 77,290 individuals are aged above 85, with 2,886 surpassing the century mark.
During a press briefing following a three-day assessment of election readiness in Jammu and Kashmir, Kumar urged both voters and political entities to actively engage in the democratic process. He assured that the elections would be conducted peacefully and without undue influence, ensuring fairness among all participating parties.
“We’ve been conducting assessments across the nation to oversee election preparedness, and this marks the conclusion of our visits. We’ve engaged with leaders from national and regional political parties, law enforcement agencies, as well as the chief secretary and DGP, holding extensive discussions,” Kumar remarked.
Measures were emphasized to guarantee a tranquil electoral environment devoid of inducements, aiming for maximum voter turnout.
Kumar highlighted that out of the total electorate, comprising 86.9 lakh voters, 44.34 lakh are men and 42.55 lakh are women, with 67,400 individuals with disabilities and 158 transgender individuals included. The gender ratio of women voters has seen an improvement from 945 in 2019 to 954 in 2024, with 16 assembly constituencies exhibiting an electoral gender ratio exceeding 1000.
Additionally, 1.56 lakh women voters fall within the 18-19 age bracket, with 1.35 lakh new female voters.
Against a total of the 11,629 polling stations, 9,307 are situated in rural areas and 2,322 in urban areas. Notably, 52% of the polling stations (5,814) will have webcasting facilities, and 267 will be designated as model polling stations. There will also be 93 polling stations managed entirely by women and 83 operated by persons with disabilities.
To maintain vigilance along inter-state and international borders, 47 interstate check posts and 385 internal police checkpoints will be established, operating round-the-clock. Instructions have been issued to monitor unregistered flights closely.
In response to concerns raised by political parties regarding equitable treatment and security provision during campaigning, Kumar assured that their demands were duly noted. Strict directives were issued to ensure unbiased security provision, particularly for senior political figures, to facilitate unimpeded campaign activities.
He underscored a zero-tolerance policy towards violence, intimidation, or coercion of voters, emphasizing immediate action against perpetrators.
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