Democracy Now

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)

With the Election Commission
(EC) initiating preparations for Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), coupled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising both the election and statehood“soon,” the union territory has every reason to confidently look forward to a restoration of democracy. The move marks the beginning of a crucial process that promises to re-establish the Political agency of the people of J&K, who have been without a legislative assembly since 2018.

The EC's decision to publish revised electoral rolls by August 20 is a welcome decision – albeit the UT has also gone through these revisions over the past some years. By setting July 1 as the cut-off date for new voter registrations, and providing a window for claims and objections until August 9, the EC is ensuring that the electoral rolls are accurate and up-to-date.

Prime Minister Modi's statement in Srinagar, expressing that“the day is not far when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will vote to elect their government,” shows a commitment from the highest levels of the government to restore statehood and democratic governance to J&K. This commitment is further reinforced by the Supreme Court's directive to hold Assembly elections by September 30, 2024.

The importance of this development cannot be overstated. J&K has been without an elected legislative assembly for nearly six years, a period marked by significant political and administrative changes. The abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the state into two Union Territories-J&K and Ladakh-were historic and contentious decisions. The prolonged absence of an elected assembly has left a democratic vacuum, which these elections aim to fill. The robust voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where J&K witnessed its highest participation in 35 years at 58.58 percent has created hope for a similar turnout in Assembly elections.

Moreover, the electoral preparations are afoot in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, where the assembly terms are nearing their end. As preparations progress, it is imperative for all stakeholders to ensure that the process remains transparent, inclusive, and peaceful. More so, in J&K where the enthusiastic participation in the recent parliament polls shows the hope and faith, people have now come to repose in democracy. And this is especially significant, considering that Kashmir Valley has been a site of election boycott over the past three decades.

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