J-K Assembly elections highlights: 65.48% voter turnout recorded in final phase by 5 pm

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election Phase 3: Catch all the latest J&K election updates here

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election Phase 3 Live Update, 1 October 2024: The 40 Assembly constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir recorded a voter turnout of 65.48 per cent till 5:00 pm in the third phase of Assembly elections, according to poll officials. Voting in 40 constituencies across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir began at 7 am amid tight security. A total of 415 candidates are contesting in these 40 seats, with 16 seats located in the Kashmir region and 24 in the Jammu region. Around 3.9 million voters are eligible to vote at 5,060 polling stations during this phase. The intense campaign for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections concluded on Sunday evening. This upcoming vote will determine the representatives for 40 constituencies, with 24 in Jammu division and the rest in Kashmir. This election is significant as it is the first in a decade and the first since Article 370 was revoked in August 2019. The three-phase election features a multi-party contest for 90 seats across the former state. The National Conference (NC) and Congress have formed an alliance for the elections, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are also key competitors.

To encourage women's participation, election officials have introduced pink polling stations, staffed entirely by female officers, to attract more women voters. In Udhampur district, each of the four constituencies has one pink polling station run by women. The initiative aims to both empower women and boost their voter turnout, an official said. Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed across Udhampur in preparation for the election. The intense campaigning for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections wrapped up on Sunday evening. The upcoming vote will decide representatives for 40 constituencies, 24 of which are in the Jammu division, with the rest in Kashmir.

Today marks a significant day for the West Pakistan Refugees, Valmikis, and Gorkha communities, who have lived as "unwanted citizens" in Jammu and Kashmir for over 70 years. These communities are excited to cast their votes in the assembly elections for the first time, marking a historic moment for those who have long been without political representation. With over 1.5 lakh people living in areas across Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts, especially in border regions, these groups are now part of the electoral process, electing MLAs. Unlike previous elections, candidates are actively engaging with their communities. In the lead-up to voting, West Pakistan refugees celebrated by exchanging sweets in Chakra and Chabay Chak in the Samba and Jammu districts.