In a landmark press conference on March 16, the Election Commission of India (EC) unveiled an unprecedented 7-phase schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, marking the beginning of an intense electoral battle. However, a significant announcement regarding the long-awaited Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections took center stage.
Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar revealed that the assembly polls in the union territory would be deferred until after the conclusion of the mammoth Lok Sabha elections, citing security considerations as the primary reason for the decision.
The Colossal 7-Phase Lok Sabha Poll Plan
The EC’s announcement outlined a staggered approach to the Lok Sabha elections, with voting scheduled to take place across seven phases, commencing on April 19 and culminating with the declaration of results on June 4. This colossal exercise will span 97 constituencies in Phase 1, followed by subsequent phases covering 109, 115, 107, 86, and 59 constituencies, respectively.
In a historic move, the EC has dedicated a separate seventh phase on May 19, solely focused on the politically crucial states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which together account for 120 Lok Sabha seats.
Simultaneous State Elections and By-polls
Alongside the Lok Sabha elections, simultaneous assembly polls will be held in the states of Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Additionally, by-elections will take place for 26 assembly seats across multiple states, including Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.
The Jammu and Kashmir Conundrum
While the EC unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the Lok Sabha polls, the announcement regarding the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections garnered significant attention. The CEC cited security concerns as the primary reason for deferring the assembly polls until after the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections.
The region has long grappled with heightened tensions, militancy, and security threats, making the organization of concurrent elections a formidable task. Ensuring the safety of voters, candidates, and election officials during such a massive exercise would require a substantial deployment of security forces.
By separating the two electoral processes, the EC aims to allocate adequate resources and personnel to maintain law and order effectively in Jammu and Kashmir.
Post-Lok Sabha Elections
Availability of Security Forces Once the Lok Sabha Elections conclude, the CEC emphasized that the commission would have access to the necessary security personnel to conduct the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir promptly. The presence of these forces is crucial to maintain a secure environment and ensure that the electoral process is carried out smoothly and transparently.
The delay in holding Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir has been a subject of concern, as it has implications for the region’s democratic representation and stability. With the delimitation exercise completed, the union territory’s legislative assembly now has a total of 90 seats, with 43 seats in the Jammu division and 47 in the Kashmir division.
By prioritizing security and ensuring a safe electoral process, the EC aims to pave the way for fair and transparent Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, giving the people of the region a voice in their governance.
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