Kashmir: In a pivotal step towards reviving the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with fellow Election Commissioners, has arrived in Srinagar. The officials are set to engage with various stakeholders at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), aiming to discuss the feasibility and preparation for the long-awaited assembly elections in the Union Territory.
The delegation’s agenda includes meetings with key political figures from major parties such as the National Conference (NC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Congress. These parties have sent their senior leaders to advocate strongly for the prompt scheduling of assembly elections, which have been on hold since the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory in August 2019.
Political representatives are expected to stress the urgency of reinstating an elected government to address the socio-economic and political aspirations of the region’s populace. The absence of local legislative representation has been a critical issue, with growing calls for restoring democratic governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
The discussions will likely delve into a range of topics, including security measures, voter registration processes, and the logistical challenges inherent in conducting elections in a region with unique geographical and political complexities. The meeting underscores the Election Commission’s commitment to assessing the current political climate and ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place for a smooth electoral process.
This initiative marks a significant move towards understanding the readiness of stakeholders and addressing the prerequisites for conducting assembly elections, thereby paving the way for renewed democratic engagement in Jammu and Kashmir.