The recently published final electoral rolls of Jammu and Kashmir by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) mark a significant milestone in the democratic process of the Union Territory. The exhaustive four-month-long Special Summary Revision has resulted in the addition of 2.31 lakh new voters, bringing the total number of electorates to 86.93 lakh. This development not only highlights the democratic fervour in the region but also poses challenges and opportunities for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, as well as local polls for Urban Local Bodies, Panchayats, and Block Development Councils. One of the commendable aspects of the electoral revision process is the emphasis on inclusivity. The CEO’s office, in collaboration with Special AEROs and the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, made concerted efforts to cover eligible voters among Kashmiri migrants, specially-abled persons, and elders above the age of 80. The focus on vulnerable sections such as nomads, women, and the third gender reflects a commitment to ensuring a fair and representative electoral system. The improvement in the elector population ratio from 0.59 to 0.60 and the gender ratio from 924 to 954 is noteworthy. These positive trends signify a more balanced and inclusive participation of the population in the democratic process, contributing to the overall health of the electoral rolls. However, the deletion of thousands of names from the electoral lists due to factors like death and shifting is also too significant. Additionally, there has been a correction of details for 1.45 lakh electors, underscoring the importance of accurate voter information.
The diverse demographic composition, including the increased representation of vulnerable sections, could influence the political landscape. The five Lok Sabha seats up for grabs will be contested by a more extensive and varied electorate, demanding strategic and inclusive campaign approaches from political parties. This year holds immense significance for Jammu and Kashmir on the electoral front, which is facing a multitude of elections. Apart from the Lok Sabha elections, the Union Territory is gearing up for polls for Urban Local Bodies, Panchayats, and Block Development Councils. Adding to the complexity, the Supreme Court directive mandates the conduct of assembly elections before September ends. While Lok Sabha elections align with the national schedule, logistical challenges arise due to extreme winter conditions, compelling the scheduling of all other elections during the summer months. Complicating matters further, the revered Shri Amarnathji Yatra is also slated for the summer season, posing additional hurdles for the Chief Electoral Officer’s office. Having completed the first step with the revision of the voters’ list, the subsequent task involves the meticulous inclusion of reservations by concerned departments, a crucial step to ensure a fair and representative electoral process. The CEO’s office faces a formidable task: navigating through these intricacies to uphold the democratic spirit of the region.
The CEO office’s proactive involvement in appointing Special Cell Observers and Roll Observers, along with the cooperation of Panchayati Raj Institution members and village-level functionaries, reflects a concerted effort to supervise and monitor the electoral revision process. The meticulous approach, including the acceptance of claims and objections and addressing demographically similar entries and photo-similar entries, indicates a commitment to transparency and fairness. Despite challenges such as the delayed appointment of Booth-Level Agents by political parties, the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders have contributed to the overall success of the Special Summary Revision. It is essential to learn from the challenges faced and implement measures to streamline future electoral revision processes for greater efficiency and accuracy. The finalisation of the electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir is a significant achievement, showcasing the commitment to an inclusive and representative democracy. The proactive efforts to cover vulnerable sections are commendable. As the region gears up for the upcoming elections, stakeholders must remain vigilant to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.
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