New Delhi [India], October 8 : The Election Commission of India today congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the successful completion of the recent Assembly elections.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar hailed the peaceful and participative electoral process as a victory for democracy over despair, showcasing the resilience and determination of the people of J&K. "Through their votes, the people have not only strengthened the foundations of democracy but have also illuminated the path of progress for the region," he said, urging citizens to continue this democratic journey towards greater heights.
On September 30, Kumar noted that voter turnout, candidate participation, and the scale of election-related activities, such as processions and campaigning, had significantly increased compared to previous elections. He also highlighted that in the final two phases of polling, there were no instances of boycotts or the need for re-polling, calling this turnout a historic achievement in itself.
The Congress-National Conference alliance crossed the halfway mark, securing 49 out of 90 seats in the Assembly elections, and is set to form the government. Of these, 42 seats were won by the National Conference, 6 by the Indian National Congress, and 1 by the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
The elections, held after a decade-long gap, took place in three phases--on September 18, September 25, and October 1. This was also the first Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which resulted in the bifurcation of the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.