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The second phase of assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir witnessed a surprising decline in voter turnout compared to the 2014 elections. The 15 assembly seats in the Kashmir region, encompassing Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal districts, and the 11 assembly segments in the Jammu region, recorded a nearly 10 percent decrease in voter participation. This decline comes as a surprise, particularly considering the enthusiasm observed during the Lok Sabha elections in April-May 2024, the recent surge in political engagement, and the electorate's apparent desire for change, which had fueled expectations for a robust voter response in the assembly elections.
According to the Election Commission figures, the voting percentage in Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal districts stood at 48.27 percent, significantly lower than the 57.01 percent recorded in 2014. In Srinagar district, the eight constituencies recorded a polling percentage of 27.03 percent, down from 27.9 percent in 2014. Similarly, Budgam district, which previously recorded a polling percentage of 74.2 percent across its five constituencies, witnessed a decline to 58.97 percent this time. In Ganderbal district, the polling percentage dropped from 68.95 percent in 2014 to 58.81 percent in 2024. This decline in voter turnout across both regions of Jammu & Kashmir raises questions about the factors contributing to this trend.
Several factors could be responsible for the observed decline in voter turnout. The political climate in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the recent changes in its administrative structure and the political landscape, could have played a role in influencing voter participation. Other potential factors include voter apathy, lack of confidence in the political system, or dissatisfaction with the existing political choices. The decline in voter turnout has implications for the overall electoral process and the representation of the people in the upcoming assembly. Political parties and analysts will likely analyze these trends to understand the underlying reasons for the decline and its impact on the political dynamics in the region.
Source: Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024: Surprising decline in voter turnout in second phase