Election panel issues notification for first phase of J&K polls

The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday issued notification for the first phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. 

The EC on Saturday decided to go ahead with holding Assembly polls in flood-ravaged state and announced a five-phased schedule between November 25 and December 20. Polling will take place on November 25, December 2, 9, 14 and 20.

“As recommended by the Election Commission of India in pursuance of Sub-section (2) of Section 27 of the said Act, the Governor of the State of J&K is hereby pleased to call upon the 15 Assembly constituencies in the State, to elect members to the Legislative Assembly in accordance with the provision of Act,” the notification issued by J&K Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Umang Narula, said.

The last date for nominations has been fixed as November 5 while scrutiny of nominations will take place on November 7 and the last date for withdrawals would be November 10 and the elections would be held on November 25.

The EC has fixed 8:00 am to 4:00 pm as polling hours. In the first phase, polling will be held for Assembly constituencies of Gurez, Bandipora, Sonawari, Kangan, Ganderbal, Nobra, Leh, Kargil, Zanskar, Kishtwar, Inderwal, Doda, Bhaderwah, Ramban and Banihal.

The governor had on Monday approved issuance of notifications for conduct of general elections to the J&K Legislative Assembly. “As recommended by the Chief Election Commission of India, Governor, N N Vohra, approved the issuance of the notifications for the conduct of 5 phase General Elections to J&K Legislative Assembly, commencing on 25th November, 2014,” an official spokesman said.