Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Thursday asserted that despite attempts by certain forces to disrupt the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is fully equipped to ensure free and fair elections. Kumar emphasised that “the ballot is the answer to such forces.”
“There are forces determined to disrupt the election process, but we are fully prepared, and the ballot is the answer to such forces,” CEC Kumar stated after briefing election observers for Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana.
Speaking to the media, Kumar detailed the preparations, saying, “We briefed election observers today. General, Police, and Expenditure Observers from several states attended the briefing. Observers were instructed to be accessible to political parties and candidates to address grievances and ensure strict adherence to election rules.”
Kumar underscored that the ECI is vigilant and ready to tackle any challenges that may arise during the elections in both J&K and Haryana.
“The world is watching the elections in J&K. Some forces are adamant about disrupting the election process, but we are ready to handle them. During the Lok Sabha elections, we witnessed tremendous enthusiasm in J&K, with record voter turnout. I believe the ballot is the answer to everything. The people of J&K will shape their destiny with their own hands by participating in the voting process,” he added.
The CEC also highlighted the Commission’s preparedness to combat misinformation and fake narratives during the election period.
“We are vigilant and will respond promptly to such false narratives. Our officers will closely monitor these issues,” he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be conducted in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, covering a total of 90 Assembly constituencies. The last Assembly elections in the region were held in 2014.
The Election Commission has also scheduled Haryana’s Assembly elections for October 1, with results for both regions to be counted on October 4.
The notification for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections was unveiled on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the 2024 electoral process. Voting for the first phase, which includes 24 constituencies, is scheduled for September 18. Candidates have until August 27 to submit their nominations, with scrutiny on August 28 and the final withdrawal date on August 30.