Members of a foreign delegation visiting Jammu and Kashmir to observe the ongoing assembly elections expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the polls on Wednesday, with several diplomats noting the similarities between the process here and in their own countries.
The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections saw voting in 26 seats across six districts. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) invited a delegation of diplomats from 16 countries, including the United States, Norway, and Singapore, to witness the electoral process firsthand.
Jorgan K. Andrews, the US Deputy Chief of Mission in Delhi, commended the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the elections. “It is great to see the enthusiasm; it’s great to see Kashmiris out voting after a pause of 10 years. We are very excited to see the results. The process looks healthy and very democratic,” Andrews said while speaking reporters at a polling station in Srinagar.
Andrews also noted that the voting system in Jammu and Kashmir resembled that of the US. “It is very comparable. In my country, we also use schools as polling stations, so it looks very similar,” he added.
South Korean diplomat Sang Woo Lim appreciated the Election Commission of India’s “Pink Polling Station” initiative, where polling stations are staffed entirely by women. “This is my first time in Kashmir. I am happy to be part of the MEA delegation and to witness democracy in action. The idea of the pink polling station is ingenious and a great way to encourage more people to vote,” Lim said.
Singapore’s Deputy Head of Mission in Delhi, Cheng Wei Wei Alice, echoed similar sentiments. “It is wonderful to be part of this delegation observing the elections here. The process is very similar to how we conduct elections in Singapore, where we also use government buildings as polling stations to ensure easy access for voters,” she explained.
Alice thanked the MEA for organizing the visit, saying, “We are very thankful to the MEA for allowing us to observe the elections and visit the polling stations. It’s great to see voters actively participating in the democratic process.”
The delegation’s observations highlight the smooth conduct of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant moment in the region’s democratic journey.