Voting in the first phase of the Assembly elections in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir began on Wednesday. The second and the third phase of polling will be held on Sept. 25 and Oct. 1, and the results will be announced on Oct. 8.
According to reports, a voter turnout of 59% has been recorded. This is the first Assembly election in the former state, a Union Territory since 2019, since 2014.
This election marks a pivotal moment in the region's political landscape as a new era of democratic engagement emerged. The Kashmiris are moving away from fear and towards active civic involvement. The election is poised to reshape power dynamics, challenging established parties and potentially ushering in new voices that resonate with the evolving "idea of Kashmir." It signifies a crucial step in Kashmir's journey towards political normalcy.
For Kashmiris today, voting isn't simply a celebration of development or renewed faith in democracy anymore. It represents a complex response to years of suppression and disenfranchisement. For many, it's a rare opportunity to break their enforced silence and express their frustrations. This election could highlight an urgent need for meaningful outreach to address the region's deep-seated issues before pent-up anger finds more dangerous outlets.