J&K polls: Voter turnout 59% as first phase passes off peacefully

The first phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a historic voter turnout on Wednesday, with approximately 59 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots.

Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole hailed this as "the highest in the past seven elections," encompassing four Lok Sabha polls and three Assembly elections.

However, these are tentative figures and may rise after the final reports are received about postal ballots, and from remote pockets like Marwah, Wadwan, Dachhan and Machail in Kishtwar, the officer said.

The elections, covering 24 seats across seven districts, concluded peacefully without any major incidents. Over 2.3 million voters were eligible to participate, deciding the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 Independents. The high turnout is attributed to an improved security situation, active engagement of political parties and candidates, and an effective awareness campaign by the election department.