By Fazil Mir
Jammu, Aug 09 (NVI): It’s time to give you your elected government as time has come for the Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said here today, indicating that the much-awaited polls could be held in the near future.
Addressing a press conference, he asserted that no internal or external powers can derail the elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Flanked by two other Election Commissioners, Kumar said the electoral process is crucial for ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that they have a say in the governance of their region.
It may be pointed out here that the Supreme Court has set a deadline of September-end for holding of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, where the State legislature was dissolved 6 years back in June 2018.
The Chief Election Commissioner spoke to the media after wide-ranging consultations with various stakeholders of Jammu and Kashmir, including political parties and civil and security officials, during their visit to Srinagar and Jammu since yesterday.
Kumar commended the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their strong participation in the Lok Sabha elections held in April-May this year.
He said the significant voter turnout was a positive indication of democratic engagement in the region.
He emphasized the importance of continuing this momentum by encouraging the citizens of J&K to participate actively in the upcoming elections to choose their own government.
The Commission also assured that necessary arrangements are being made to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, with adequate security measures in place to facilitate smooth voting.
A level-playing field will be given to every party and security of all leaders will be reviewed, the Chief Election Commissioner said.
“All polling stations will be under CCTV coverage based on the request by political parties… No filming of the polling station will be allowed,” he said.
The ECI urged all eligible voters to come forward and participate in the electoral process, reinforcing the importance of their role in shaping the future of the region. (NVI)
