JOIN USThe high voter turnout in the first phase of polling in the two troubled states of Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand is a sign of the keenness of the electorate to exercise their democratic right even in the face of adverse conditions and situations. In both states, there were threats and boycott calls which sought to keep the voters away from the booths and the electoral authorities had a challenge in creating the right environment for polling.
It is also remarkable that the polling was largely peaceful in both states. In the 15 constituencies that went to the polls in Kashmir, there was an impressive turnout of over 71 per cent, which is the highest recorded polling percentage in the state. In the 13 constituencies of Jharkhand where the naxalites had given a boycott call, about 62 per cent of the electorate went to the polls. There also, the turnout is better than in previous elections.
Voting in elections is an acceptance and affirmation of the democratic process. It is a sign of citizens’ empowerment and exercise of choice. The high turnout in Kashmir is especially significant because it is much above that in the last Lok Sabha elections and the separatists, including all factions of the Hurriyat Conference and the JKLF, had actively campaigned against the elections and given a boycott call. The voters’ enthusiasm shows that they have rejected the separatists’ call. It is also to be noted that the extreme cold weather in the state, which is in the grip of winter, did not deter the voters from going to the booths. Credit should go to the Election Commission also which had taken all steps to ensure safe and peaceful polling and a high level of participation by the electorate.
Kashmir has traditionally seen, as other states too, a higher turnout in assembly and local body elections than in parliament polls. This is because voters are more concerned with the administrations closer to their lives than the government in Delhi. It is also possible that the higher turnout may be a sign of dissatisfaction with the incumbent Omar Abdullah government which lost a lot of goodwill it once enjoyed. It is true that some of the 15 seats are in the Ladakh region where separatists have no sway at all.
However, the polling was high even in constituencies like Bandipora and Sonawari where there is the presence of militant elements. A full picture will emerge only after all other constituencies go the polls. But the positive political message in the first phase cannot be missed.