J&K phase 2 polling concludes: Only 54% voter turnout recorded
What's the story
The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Wednesday saw a voter turnout of 54%, according to the Election Commission data.
The districts of Rease and Poonch recorded the highest voter turnout (71.81% and 71.59%, respectively), while Srinagar had the lowest turnout trend at 27.31%.
The second phase saw a lower voter turnout than the first phase, which recorded 61.38%.
The polling began at 7:00am across all 26 assembly constituencies and proceeded smoothly under strict security measures.
Election enthusiasm
Vibrant atmosphere and foreign observers at polling stations
The early hours of voting witnessed significant participation with nearly one-fourth of eligible voters casting their votes within the first four hours.
The second phase of elections was conducted across six districts, evenly split between the Valley and the Jammu division.
In total, 16 foreign delegates from New Delhi-based missions were invited by the Ministry of External Affairs to observe these polls.
Election contenders
Key candidates and high stakes in 2nd phase
The results of the second phase will determine the political future of 239 candidates, including National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from two seats—Budgam and Ganderbal.
Other notable candidates include Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina from the Nowshera assembly seat and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from the Central-Shalteng seat.
3rd phase
Upcoming election phase
The third and final phase of voting is scheduled for October 1, with vote counting set to take place on October 8.
J&K has been without an elected government since the Assembly was dissolved in November 2018, months after the BJP withdrew its support for then-Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and her People's Democratic Party (PDP).
The Union Territory has been under President's Rule since.