The counting of votes for Jammu and Kashmir’s 90 Assembly constituencies commenced on Tuesday morning, marking a significant step towards restoring an elected government in the region, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. This election is the first since 2014, and it comes five years after Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories.
The main political contenders are the Congress-National Conference alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Counting is being conducted amid heightened security, with a three-tier system in place across 28 centers. CCTV cameras have been installed, and checkpoints within 100 meters of the counting sites ensure only authorized individuals are allowed near the centers.
Election officials began counting postal ballots first, followed by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Results are expected to trickle in throughout the day. Special arrangements have been made, including dedicated centers for counting votes cast by migrants. This election will determine the future of 873 candidates competing for the 90 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly
