Srinagar, May 13: Reviewing Monday's polling in the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir PK Pol said the turnout till 5 pm was 36 per cent, the second highest since 1989. There is a turnout. Not even a single polling booth in Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency saw zero polling.
“People voted here in large numbers. We are grateful to everyone involved in making this democratic process a success,” Pol said while addressing mediapersons in Srinagar.
According to the data provided, the turnout by 5 pm was 36 percent, the second highest turnout since 1989. The figures for previous years are shared as follows:
• 2019: 14.43%
• 2014: 25.86%
• 2009: 25.55%
• 2004: 18.57%
• 1999: 11.93%
• 1998: 30.06%
• 1996: 40.94%
According to the poll, News Agency-Kashmir News Observer (KNO) correspondent estimated the final polling percentage to be around 40 percent, given the significant improvement in turnout compared to the previous elections.
Highlighting the logistics involved, the poll said there were 2135 polling stations in 18 assembly constituencies. More than 8,500 civil servants, along with police and CRPF personnel, double that number, worked tirelessly during the last two days to ensure the peaceful conduct of the polls.
“We had made special arrangements for women and senior citizens, each polling station under CCTV surveillance,” he added.
Regarding youth participation, the poll reported that there were 200,000 registered youth voters, and 26 special polling stations were set up for immigrants, with more than 6,000 immigrant voters casting their ballots. Immigrant voters contributed to a provisional turnout of 36 percent.
The poll stressed the overall peaceful conduct of the elections and also focused on precautionary measures. He clarified that “precautionary measures were taken only in cases where individuals had a criminal background or anti-national history, ensuring that polling stations remained incident-free”.
Srinagar recorded the lowest EVM conversion rate at 0.1 per cent, while Jammu recorded the highest at 3 per cent, the poll added.