A paramilitary personnel stands guard as the voters queue up to cast their vote for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections in Budgam on Wednesday (September 25, 2024).
| Photo Credit: ANI
More than 56% of voters on Wednesday (September 25, 2024) exercised their franchise in the second phase of polling for 26 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.
“The polling passed off peacefully,” officials said.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, J&K Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Pole said the second phase recorded a turnout of 56.05%
Mr. Pole said the percentage was tentative as polling was going on at some places like Hazratbal and Reasi.
He said the polling was peaceful and, by and large, smooth.
“The polling was overall peaceful. Some stray incidents like arguments, etc took place, but there is no need for re-poll anywhere,” he added.
During the second phase, a 16-member delegation of foreign envoys visited the valley to witness the polls.
This is perhaps the first time since the eruption of insurgency that international observers were allowed to witness the elections in J&K. However, the move drew criticism from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who said the polls in J&K were an internal matter of the country.
Published – September 25, 2024 09:04 pm IST
