ECI to Assess Jammu and Kashmir's Election Readiness Amid Five-Year Anniversary as Union Territory

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ECI to Assess Jammu and Kashmir's Election Readiness Amid Five-Year Anniversary as Union Territory

ECI to Assess Jammu and Kashmir's Readiness for Upcoming Elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will visit Jammu and Kashmir next week to assess the region's preparedness for upcoming elections. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, will be in the Union Territory from August 8 to 10.

During their visit, the commission will engage with local administrative officials and representatives from various political parties in Srinagar and Jammu. A key event is scheduled for August 10, where the commission will hold a review meeting with enforcement agencies in Jammu, followed by a press conference to share their findings.

Earlier this year, in March 2024, CEC Rajiv Kumar assured political leaders and residents of Jammu and Kashmir of the commission's commitment to conducting assembly elections in the UT. This assurance came during a prior visit by the commission, which was part of a three-member team assessing the situation ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections.

The recent Lok Sabha Elections in 2024 witnessed a record turnout, demonstrating significant engagement from the populace of Jammu and Kashmir. CEC Kumar noted, "This active participation is a huge positive for the upcoming Assembly elections, ensuring that the democratic process continues to thrive in the Union Territory."

Next week's visit marks a significant milestone, as Jammu and Kashmir will complete five years as a Union Territory. The region was bifurcated into two Union Territories in 2019, coinciding with the abrogation of its special status under Article 370. Since then, governance has been under the authority of the Lieutenant Governor.